Evidence of adaptation, niche separation and microevolution within the genus Polaromonas on Arctic and Antarctic glacial surfaces

Polaromonas is one of the most abundant genera found on glacier surfaces, yet it’s ecology remains poorly described. Investigations made to date point towards a uniform distribution of Polaromonas phylotypes across the globe. We compared 43 Polaromonas isolates obtained from surfaces of Arctic and Antarctic glaciers to address this issue. 16S rRNA gene sequences, intergenic transcribed spacers (ITS) and metabolic fingerprinting showed great differences between hemispheres but also between neighboring glaciers. Phylogenetic distance between Arctic and Antarctic isolates indicated separate species. The Arctic group clustered similarly, when constructing dendrograms based on 16S rRNA gene and ITS sequences, as well as metabolic traits. The Antarctic strains, although almost identical considering 16S rRNA genes, diverged into 2 groups based on the ITS sequences and metabolic traits, suggesting recent niche separation. Certain phenotypic traits pointed towardscell adaptation to specific conditions on a particular glacier, like varying pH levels. Collected data suggest, that seeding of glacial surfaces with Polaromonas cells transported by various means, is of greater efficiency on local than global scales. Selection mechanisms present of glacial surfaces reduce the deposited Polaromonas diversity, causing subsequent adaptation to prevailing environmental conditions. Furthermore, interactions with other supraglacial microbiota, like algae cells may drive postselectional niche separation and microevolution within the Polaromonas genus

Kultura i społeczeństwo na Środkowym Nadodrzu w XIX i XX wieku

303 s. : il., portr.

Grębocice – z dziejów religijnych miejscowości. Przykład koegzystencji i rywalizacji wyznań na Ziemi Głogowskiej

Grębocice is a village located in the northern part of the Dolnośląskie Province (in the Polkowice district), on the Grębocicka Plain (the microregion of the Głogowska Pradolina, a proglacial stream valley), about 9 km south-east of Głogów. Its history has been inextricably linked with the city of Głogów since the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the thirteenth century, this area was part of the united Silesia, and during the reign of Prince Henry III of Głogów (1273-1309), it was incorporated into the Głogów principality. From 1331 it was dependent on Bohemia (in 1344 the Prince of Głogów, Henry V “Żelazny” (Iron), paid homage to King Charles IV of Luxembourg). After the death of the last prince of Głogów, Henry XI (1476), this principality was under the rule of the king of Hungary, Croatia and Bohemia – Matthias Corvinus (died on 6 April 1490), and then it was ruled by Jan I Olbracht (until 1499) and Sigismund I Old (until 1506)1. Subsequently, the area was reincorporated into the Czech Crown and in the years 1526-1741 into the Habsburg monarchy. In 1742 Grębocice became part of Prussia. After World War I, as a result of the Treaty of Versailles (28 June 1919), this region remained within the borders of Germany, and it was not until after World War II that it returned to Poland. The analysis of the presented source material shows, among other things, one important observation – at the beginning of the twentieth century, there was a peculiar coexistence between residents-neighbours in Grębocice, which was more important to them than their religious and national differences (Evangelicals, Catholics, followers of Judaism) or their economic interests (Germans, Jews)

Water level fluctuations in the Turawa Reservoir in relation to the tourist use of the water body

The aim of the paper is to assess the fluctuations of water levels in the Turawa Reservoir (50° 43' N, 18° 08' E) in relation to the tourist use of the water body. The reservoir is situated within the macroregion of the Silesian Lowland in the mesoregion of the Opole Plain. In administrative terms, the reservoir is situated in the pole Province within the borough of Turawa. In hydrological terms, in turn, it is situated in the catchment area of the Mała Panew river, which belongs to the basin of the Odra river. The Turawa Reservoir was opened for use in 1938, and in 1948 it was filled with water to its maximum for the first time. At present, the surface area of the reservoir, when it is filled with water to its maximum, is about 20.8 km2, its volume 99.5 mln m3, and its depth exceeds 13 meters. In the period of hydrological years 1976-2000 water levels in this reservoir were characterized by high, unnoticed in natural conditions, amplitudes of changes reaching 6.99 m. Anthropogenically stimulated fluctuations in the water level result in conflicts in terms of tasks and functions that the Turawa Reservoir was designed for. Changes in the level of the water surface in the Turawa Reservoir resulted from the impact of the natural factors (thaw and rainfall related high water levels), as well as anthropogenic ones (the need to improve sailing conditions, water supply for industrial and municipal needs). Decreasing the fluctuations of water levels in the Turawa Reservoir is necessary in order to maintain its tourist-recreational functions and keep the ecological condition of its waters at the appropriate level