Comparison of morphological variations and some biological features of brown trout Salmo trutta fario resident in Chesli and Khorma rivers in Guilan

The morphological variations and sexual dimorphism of brown trout Salmo trutta morpha fario residual were studied in two rivers, Chesli and Khorma, in western and eastern of Guilan province using 39 morphometric and 13 meristic characteristics. Univariate analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) revealed significant differences of varying degrees between the means of the two samples for 25 standardized morphometric measurements and six meristic counts, showing relatively high phenotypic variations between the two populations. No significant differences were observed between males and females, indicating that no sexual dimorphism exists in the studied fish. Plotting of discriminant functions, 1 and 2, for morphometric and meristic characteristics revealed completely obvious separation with 100% divergence between the species of the two areas. Only in Chesli River some differences were observed between males and females according to the meristic’ second function, while there were no morphological differences between males and females in Khorma River. On the average, the correctness of assignment of individuals into their original populations based on their morphometric and meristic characteristics was 87.4% and 70.1 %, respectively

Comparison of morphological variations and some biological features of brown trout Salmo trutta fario resident in Chesli and Khorma Rivers in Guilan

The morphological variations and sexual dimorphism of brown trout Salmo trutta morpha fario residual were studied in two rivers, Chesli and Khorma, in western and eastern of Guilan province using 39 morphometric and 13 meristic characteristics. Univariate analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) revealed significant differences of varying degrees between the means of the two samples for 25 standardized morphometric measurements and six meristic counts, showing relatively high phenotypic variations between the two populations. No significant differences were observed between males and females, indicating that no sexual dimorphism exists in the studied fish. Plotting of discriminant functions, 1 and 2, for morphometric and meristic characteristics revealed completely obvious separation with 100% divergence between the species of the two areas. Only in Chesli River some differences were observed between males and females according to the meristic’ second function, while there were no morphological differences between males and females in Khorma River. On the average, the correctness of assignment of individuals into their original populations based on their morphometric and meristic characteristics was 87.4% and 70.1%, respectively

Relationship between Soil Macro fauna Biodiversity and Trees and Shrubs in Riparian Forest of Maroon River in Khuzestan Province

Soil macrofauna biodiversity has an important role in ecosystem services. In order to find how soil macrofauna biodiversity is related to trees and shrubs in riparian forest of Maroon River in Khuzestan province, soil macrofauna were collected using hand-sorting procedure from 0-10 and 10-25 cm soil depths in 50 cm × 50 cm plots, 50 meters from each other on transects 100 meters apart and perpendicular to the river. Totally, 175 sampling plots were taken. In each plot, quantitative characteristics of trees and shrubs were measured. Soil macrofauna abundance and biomass were highest at 0-10 cm soil depth. Macrofauna biodiversity had a stronger correlation with Tamarisk properties than Euphrates poplar. In contrast, macrofauna biodiversity was not different under Tamarisk and Euphrates poplar. But earthworm was higher under Euphrates poplar cover. The most important parameter of soil macrofauna biodiversity in this area was crown cover. Therefore we could state that regardless of tree species, crown cover of these forests should be conserved because it maintains soil macrofauna biodiversity