Ecological Traits and Genetic Variation in Amazonian Populations of the Neotropical Millipede Poratia obliterata (Kraus, 1960) (Diplopoda: Pyrgodesmidae) (Brazil), Invertebrate Ecology and Conservation Monographs, ISSN 1312-9082, volume 2, ISBN 978-954-642-290-3
Bergholz, N
2007. Sofia-Moscow, 165x240, numerous b/w and color illustrations, graphs and photos, In English.
Ppb, 198pp. Price EURO 60.
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Notes:
The periodic flood pulse of the Amazon River has been the main controlling factor in the local ecosystems for at least two million years. Numerous adaptations have evolved in local terrestrial invertebrates. The small millipede Poratia obliterata (Kraus, 1960), having probably originated from the Andes, is currently known as bisexual from all over Amazonia and as parthenogenetic in several European hothouses. Millipedes in the inundation forests migrate in direct response to the rising and receding waters and take refuge on tree trunks during the aquatic phase. In contrast, specimens from the upland plantation dwell on the ground in moist decaying plant debris. The upland population shows a plurivoltine life cycle, i.e. continuous reproduction, whereas a univoltine life cycle, i.e. lack of offspring during flooding, seems characteristic of inundation forest populations. Such developed survival strategies adaptive to annual inundations can either reflect ecological plasticity or implicate ecological speciation, i.e. 'biotope-specific races' or ecotypes. To assess the causal mode of adaptation, ecological studies were combined with genetic analyses. Comparing the distribution, biotope range, population subdivision and genetic diversity of different millipedes, the species P. obliterata appears to feature a generalist strategy. The book shows low divergence between Amazonian populations of this diverse and widespread species, which seems to cope well with various biotopes and thus has successfully invaded seasonal inundation forests. The book is addressed to specialists in evolution, ecological genetics, ecology and conservation of wetlands, and millipede research and conservation.

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