Cristiane Barbosa D Oliveira

Genetic structure and internal gene flow in populations of Schinus molle (Anacardiaceae) in the Brazilian Pampa

One of the most important aspects for population ecology and evolution is to understand the connectivity between individuals and their groups. In this study, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were employed aiming to examine genetic diversity, spatial genetic structure, and internal gene flow of nine populations of Schinus molle across the Brazilian Pampa. The dispersal capacity of S. molle in the Brazilian Pampa, the implications of the forest fragmentation to species genetic structure, and the impact of the actual genetic structure of the species to its conservation and management were investigated. AFLP markers revealed low genetic diversity and clear genetic structure among populations. Significant fine-scale spatial genetic structure at short distances was observed in all populations. Estimates of gene dispersal distance suggest that the dispersion capacity of this species is larger than the area covered by the studied populations. However, fragmentation hampers the gene flow among populations. The management of S. molle natural occurrence in this biome seems to be simple considering the species plasticity. The conservation of the species genetic resource depends on maintaining the extant forest patches and promoting their connectivity.

Differences in bacterial composition between men’s and women’s restrooms and other common areas within a public building

Humans distribute a wide range of microorganisms around building interiors, and some of these are potentially pathogenic. Recent research established that humans are the main drivers of the indoor microbiome and up to now significant literature has been produced about this topic. Here we analyzed differences in bacterial composition between men’s and women’s restrooms and other common areas within the same public building. Bacterial DNA samples were collected from restrooms and halls of a three-floor building from the Federal University of Pampa, RS, Brazil. The bacterial community was characterized by amplification of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and sequencing. Throughout all samples, the most abundant phylum was Proteobacteria, followed by Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Beta diversity metrics showed that the structure of the bacterial communities were different among the areas and floors tested, however, only 6–9% of the variation in bacterial communities was explained by the area and floors sampled. A few microorganisms showed significantly differential abundance between men’s and women’s restrooms, but in general, the bacterial communities from both places were very similar. Finally, significant differences among the microbial community profile from different floors were reported, suggesting that the type of use and occupant demographic within the building may directly influence bacterial dispersion and establishment.

Conservation Status of Moss Species in Northern Maritime Antarctic Based on the Index of Ecological Significance

e aim of this work was to verify moss conservation status on ice-free areas of northern Maritime Antarctic, including data of Elephant Island, King George Island and Deception Island. e study started with the classi cation and description of the plant communities based primarily on phytosociological and biodiversity data. All records were obtained from 1991-1992 to 2003-2004 austral summers. e coverage degree and frequency of each species found was used to calculate the index of ecological signi cance. 22 most frequent species based on all island records were found. e most important species in both studied areas were Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loeske, Polytrichastrum alpinum (Hedw.) G. L. Smith, Bartramia patens Brid., respectively, occurring in all the studied islands. ese results demonstrate the fragility of plant communities in Maritime Antarctic, based on the low frequency and coverage of most species known to this area. Keyword: Bryophyta, ice-free areas, plant communities http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/apa.2014.063

Lichen Moss Association Frequently Found in Maritime Antarctic

e aim of this work was to report on the lichen-moss association in the ice-free areas of Elephant Island, King George Island, Nelson Island and Deception Island. e study started with the classi cation and description of the plant communities based primarily on phytosociological and biodiversity data. All data were obtained from 2003-2004 to 2011-2012 austral summers. 12 most frequent lichen-moss association species based on all island records were found. e most frequent association in both studied areas involved foliose-crustose lichen with a moss carpet species, such as Psoroma cinnamomeum Malme with Sanionia uncinata (Hedw.) Loesk. e occurrences for each island as well as the common association found in all sampled islands are demonstrated.