 |
|
Scorpion biodiversity
April 10, 2009Scorpions possess resistance to high temperatures and the ability to conserve water for long periods of time, and as a result thrive in hot and arid parts of the world. But is this global distribution also seen at a more local level? Reporting in the open-access, peer-reviewed journal PLoS ONE April 9, Doctoral student Shmuel Raz and colleagues at the University of Haifa, Israel now show that this is indeed the case, even when European-like and African-like habitats were separated by no more than 100 metres.
Shmuel Raz and colleagues studied the communities of scorpions in a valley near Mount Carmel in Israel which has been dubbed "Evolution Canyon." Evolution Canyon" has steep slopes and runs approximately east-west, which means that the south-facing slope receive up to eight times as much solar radiation as the north-facing slope . Thus, despite identical regional geology and rainfall, one slope, dubbed the "African" slope of the canyon is arid savannah-like while the other boasts a lush, maquis-like forest environment separated by a narrow canyon floor that could easily be crossed by most animals and certainly would provide no barrier to a scorpion.
The researchers collected nearly 200 specimens of six different species of scorpions in "Evolution Canyon." While four of the species were found on both slopes of the canyon, two were only seen on the more arid, "African"-like slope. Similarly the "European" slope of the canyon yielded nearly a third fewer scorpion specimens than the "African" slope . Despite the ease of movement between the two canyon faces, the particular adaptations of the scorpions to arid conditions have led to their greater abundance on the south-facing, "African" slope.
Differences in the diversity of species between the north and south facing slopes of "Evolution Canyon" have been observed in other groups of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals and in combination with these, new studies on scorpions show that the environmental pressures brought about by factors such as the amount of sunshine, temperature and drought whether individually or in combination, can act very locally to produce global changes in biodiversity.
Public Library of Science
Differences in the diversity of species between the north and south facing slopes of "Evolution Canyon" have been observed in other groups of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals and in combination with these, new studies on scorpions show that the environmental pressures brought about by factors such as the amount of sunshine, temperature and drought whether individually or in combination, can act very locally to produce global changes in biodiversity.
Public Library of Science
Scorpions Current Events and Scorpions News RSSMicrofossils challenge prevailing views of the effects of 'Snowball Earth' glaciations on life
New fossil findings discovered by scientists at UC Santa Barbara challenge prevailing views about the effects of "Snowball Earth" glaciations on life, according to an article in the June issue of the journal Nature Geoscience.
Gene exchange common among sex-manipulating bacteria
Certain bacteria have learned to manipulate the proportion of females and males in insect populations. Now Uppsala University researchers have mapped the entire genome of a bacterium that infects a close relative of the fruit fly.
Origin of claws seen in 390-million-year-old fossil
A missing link in the evolution of the front claw of living scorpions and horseshoe crabs was identified with the discovery of a 390 million-year-old fossil by researchers at Yale and the University of Bonn, Germany.
Peptide discovered in scorpion venom may hold key to secretory diseases
Researchers have discovered a peptide in scorpion venom that may hold the key to understanding and controlling cystic fibrosis and other secretory diseases.
390-million-year-old scorpion fossil -- biggest bug known
The gigantic fossil claw of an 390 million-year-old sea scorpion, recently found in Germany, shows that ancient arthropods - spiders, insects, crabs and the like - were surprisingly larger than their modern-day counterparts.
A rarity among arachnids, predatory whip spiders have a sociable family life, CU researcher finds
Whip spiders, considered by many to be creepy-crawly, are giving new meaning to the term touchy-feely.
Hebrew University researchers uncover eight previously unknown species
Discovery of eight previously unknown, ancient animal species within "a new and unique underground ecosystem" in Israel was revealed today by Hebrew University of Jerusalem researchers.
New class of antibiotics effective against drug-resistant bacteria discovered in fungi
A peptide identified in a fungus found in northern European pine forests possesses as much power as penicillin as well as vancomycin, according to an international team of researchers.
Nature press release for 13 September issue
[413127] PHENOMENA: STAGGERED CYCLISTS STAY APART (p127) Staging cycling and orienteering races to prevent the competitors forming into packs may be helped by a Brief Communication in this week’s Nature. In races, cyclists in a pack can move faster than those alone, by taking turns to front the pack and sharing the benefits from reduced air resistance. Orienteers can also profit from travelling in packs by sharing map-reading information. But this makes it difficult to compare the true ability of individuals. Graeme Ackland and David Butler of the University of Edinburgh, UK, constructed a model to predict race conditions that precipitate pack formation. If 13% of competitors can see a
More Scorpions Current Events and Scorpions News Articles
 |
Bad For Good: The Very Best of Scorpions by Scorpions No Description Available No Track Information Available Media Type: CD Artist: SCORPIONS Title: BAD FOR GOOD: VERY BEST OF THE SCORPIONS Street Release Date: 05/28/2002 |
 |
Love at First Sting by Scorpions After years of writing hook-laden choruses and triumphantly buzzing riffs, this German band finally perfected the formula. A fine mix of poise and passion, Love at First Sting appeals to both angry metalheads and Top-40 aficionados. --Jon Wiederhorn |
 |
Blackout by Scorpions German heavy metal marauders Scorpions recorded seven studio records before breaking in to the U.S. market in 1982 with Blackout. The album became the group's first platinum disc in the U.S., and the dynamic single "No One Like You" became a staple of album rock radio. While the Scorpions had created powerful anthems and epic rockers in the past, Blackout mixed the ingredients just right. The title track was an endorphin rush of fast-riffing guitars and electrified, high-pitched vocals that culminated with the sound of shattering glass. "Can't Live Without You" was a powerful melange of flash, firepower, and pure melody, and the slow, surging "China White" sounded like a psychedelic interpretation of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir." After years of ignored visas, Scorpions had finally arrived in... |
 |
Scorpions: Live at Wacken Open Air 2006 Starring: Scorpions |
 |
Taken By Force by Scorpions No Description Available No Track Information Available Media Type: CD Artist: SCORPIONS Title: TAKEN BY FORCE Street Release Date: 10/29/2002 |
 |
Animal Magnetism by Scorpions Digitally remastered Japanese version. |
 |
Tokyo Tapes by Scorpions No Description Available No Track Information Available Media Type: CD Artist: SCORPIONS Title: TOKYO TAPES Street Release Date: 10/29/2002 |
 |
Acoustica - The Scorpions Starring: Scorpions NTSC/Region 4. Recorded live in Lisbon on February 9th and 10th 2001. 21 tracks. Special features include English, Region 2, The Making Of, band Interviews, Discography, Biography, 4 Video Edits, German Subtitles. Approx. 157 mins. Warner Music Vision. |
 |
Rock You Like A Hurricane Scorpions (Primary Contributor) |
|
Calvin Klein Women's Seductive Comfort Embrace Thong With Embroidery #F2995,Scorpion,Medium by Calvin Klein |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |