Multi-dimensionality and variability in folk classification of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini)

Background: Not long ago Eugene Hunn suggested using a combination of cognitive, linguistic, ecological and evolutionary theories in order to account for the dynamic character of ethnoecology in the study of folk classification systems. In this way he intended to question certain homogeneity in folk classifications models and deepen in the analysis and interpretation of variability in folk classifications. This paper studies how a rural culturally mixed population of the Atlantic Forest of Misiones (Argentina) classified honey-producing stingless bees according to the linguistic, cognitive and ecological dimensions of folk classification. We also analyze the socio-ecological meaning of binomialization in naming and the meaning of general local variability in the appointment of stingless bees. Methods: We used three different approaches: the classical approach developed by Brent Berlin which relies heavily on linguistic criteria, the approach developed by Eleonor Rosch which relies on psychological (cognitive) principles of categorization and finally we have captured the ecological dimension of folk classification in local narratives. For the second approximation, we developed ways of measuring the degree of prototypicality based on a total of 107 comparisons of the type "X is similar to Y" identified in personal narratives. Results: Various logical and grouping strategies coexist and were identified as: graded of lateral linkage, hierarchical and functional. Similarity judgments among folk taxa resulted in an implicit logic of classification graded according to taxa's prototypicality. While there is a high agreement on naming stingless bees with monomial names, a considerable number of underrepresented binomial names and lack of names were observed. Two possible explanations about reported local naming variability are presented. Conclusions: We support the multidimensionality of folk classification systems. This confirms the specificity of local classification systems but also reflects the use of grouping strategies and mechanisms commonly observed in other cultural groups, such as the use of similarity judgments between more or less prototypical organisms. Also we support the idea that alternative naming results from a process of fragmentation of knowledge or incomplete transmission of knowledge. These processes lean on the facts that culturally based knowledge, on the one hand, and biologic knowledge of nature on the other, can be acquired through different learning pathways.Fil: Zamudio, Fernando. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal (p); ArgentinaFil: Hilgert, Norma Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientiâ­ficas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Nordeste. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical. Instituto de Biologia Subtropical - Nodo Puerto Iguazu; Argentin

Galapagos-OIB signature in southern Central America: mantle refertilization by arc-hot spot interaction

[1] Although most Central American magmas have a typical arc geochemical signature, magmas in southern Central America (central Costa Rica and Panama) have isotopic and trace element compositions with an ocean island basalt (OIB) affinity, similar to the Galapagos-OIB lavas (e.g., Ba/La 10, 206Pb/204Pb > 18.8). Our new data for Costa Rica suggest that this signature, unusual for a convergent margin, has a relatively recent origin (Late Miocene ∼6 Ma). We also show that there was a transition from typical arc magmas (analogous to the modern Nicaraguan volcanic front) to OIB-like magmas similar to the Galapagos hot spot. The geographic distribution of the Galapagos signature in recent lavas from southern Central America is present landward from the subduction of the Galapagos hot spot tracks (the Seamount Province and the Cocos/Coiba Ridge) at the Middle American Trench. The higher Pb isotopic ratios, relatively lower Sr and Nd isotopic ratios, and enriched incompatible-element signature of central Costa Rican magmas can be explained by arc–hot spot interaction. The isotopic ratios of central Costa Rican lavas require the subducting Seamount Province (Northern Galapagos Domain) component, whereas the isotopic ratios of the adakites and alkaline basalts from southern Costa Rica and Panama are in the geochemical range of the subducting Cocos/Coiba Ridge (Central Galapagos Domain). Geological and geochemical evidence collectively indicate that the relatively recent Galapagos-OIB signature in southern Central America represents a geochemical signal from subducting Galapagos hot spot tracks, which started to collide with the margin ∼8 Ma ago. The Galapagos hot spot contribution decreases systematically along the volcanic front from central Costa Rica to NW Nicaragua

Thermoluminescence de LiF à basse température

Lithium fluoride crystals, γ-irradiated at room temperature, are excited in the F-centre band at 78 °K. When heated the crystals emit peaks of thermoluminescent light at 100 °K and 150 °K. The quantities of emitted light depend on the time of γ-irradiation, the duration of excitation, and on the number of thermoluminescence experiments performed, starting from a fresh crystal. A model is proposed to explain the experimental results.Des expériences de thermoluminescence ont montré l'existence de deux niveaux métastables à 78 °K, produits par l'excitation des centres F dans le fluorure de lithium irradié. Les quantités de lumière réémise dépendent du nombre de centres, de la durée d'excitation dans la bande F et aussi du nombre d'expériences de thermoluminescence effectuées à partir d'un cristal frais, qui n'a jamais été excité. Un modèle est proposé pour expliquer ces résultats

Aspects de la médecine traditionnelle et des plantes médicinales des Shipibo-Conibo de l'Ucayali

After explaining the Shipibo-Conibo concept of "rao", which covers not only medicinal plants but also all plants which have a "power", the authors give an account of their investigations on "rao" in three native communities. Analysis is done of the intra and inter- communal distributions of the "rao" and some aspects of their nomenclature is given.Les auteurs introduisent le concept Shipibo-Conibo de « rao » qui comprend les plantes médicinales et plus généralement toutes les plantes qui ont un pouvoir : hallucinogènes, plantes pour la chasse, pour séduire. Les « rao » de 3 communautés indigènes sont étudiées, leur distribution intra et inter-communale analysée ainsi que certains aspects de leur nomenclature.Tournon J., Reategui U. Aspects de la médecine traditionnelle et des plantes médicinales des Shipibo-Conibo de l'Ucayali. In: Journal d'agriculture traditionnelle et de botanique appliquée, 30ᵉ année, bulletin n°3-4, Juillet-décembre 1983. pp. 249-265

Les Cypéracées médicinales et magiques de l'Ucayali

Cyperaceae are frequently utilized in the Amazon as medicinal and magical plants. This is something of a paradox because species belonging to this family have little or no pharmacological activity. We try to answer it by presenting and analysing ethnographic and botanic data collected by us among the Shipibo-Conibo of the Upper Ucayali.Des Cypéracées sont communément utilisées en Amazonie comme plantes médicinales et magiques, alors que cette famille botanique semble avoir généralement peu d'activité pharmacologique. Nous essayons de comprendre ce paradoxe en présentant et analysant les données ethnographiques et botaniques que nous avons recueillies chez les Shipibo-Conibo du Haut Ucayali.Tournon J., Raynal-Roques A., Zambettakis C. Les Cypéracées médicinales et magiques de l'Ucayali. In: Journal d'agriculture traditionnelle et de botanique appliquée, 33ᵉ année,1986. pp. 213-224