No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The nature of the plant-animal interaction between wood-boring isopods and the red mangrove Rhizophora mangle L. has been controversial, with discussion ranging from the damage caused by the isopod being detrimental to beneficial for the mangroves they attack. Initiation of lateral roots by the mangrove in response to isopod burrowing has been one of the most commonly cited examples as support for the concept of beneficial herbivory. In this study, the possibility of root repair as a response of Rhizophora to burrowing by Sphaeroma terebrans Bate was evaluated. Previously burrowed prop roots were tagged in the field and the fate of all burrows followed over 14 wk at a site in Upper Tampa Bay, Florida. Results demonstrated that the most common response of the mangrove was to repair abandoned isopod burrows, with 99% of all tagged roots and 66% of all monitored burrows showing signs of repair. Lateral root production occurred at a lower frequency (32% of roots). Similarly, transect surveys performed in Upper Tampa Bay and 2 additional locations (Anna Maria Island and Weedon Island) indicated a high incidence (57 to 82%) of attacked aerial roots showing signs of burrow repair. Again, lateral root production was less commonly noted on transects (13 to 25% of the roots surveyed). Initiation of lateral roots and burrow repair were not mutually exclusive responses and all instances of lateral root production were in conjunction with repair. Our results demonstrate that the most common response to damage is the replacement of root tissue rather than the stimulation of new tissue production.KEY WORDS: Beneficial herbivory · Florida · Isopod · Mangrove · Plant-animal interaction · Prop root · Repair · Rhizophora mangle · Sphaeroma terebrans · Tolerance · Wood borer Resale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisherMar Ecol Prog Ser 231: [85][86][87][88][89][90] 2002 sation (i.e. repair and regrowth of tissue) for loss due to herbivory, leading to an overcompensation in production. In these latter cases, the plant-animal interaction is considered 'beneficial herbivory' or 'overcompensation' (sensu Paige & Whitham 1987, Paige 1992, 1999, Lennartsson et al. 1998, Agrawal 2000. The 2 herbivore response strategies (i.e. avoidance and tolerance) may not be mutually exclusive, however, and some species may demonstrate levels of both (Fineblum & Rausher 1995, Mauricio et al. 1997.The red mangrove Rhizophora mangle L. produces aerial prop roots from the bole, trunk, and other aboveground roots which grow down through the water column and eventually attach to the substratum (Gill & Tomlinson 1977). The aerial portion of these prop roots has secondary vascular development and thick surface cells that are not found in the subterranean part of the root once it attaches (Gill & Tomlinson 1975). Worldwide, the wood boring isopod Sphaeroma terebrans Bate exploits the intertidal habitat created by prop roots in the fringing red mangrove (Rehm & Humm 1973, Estevez 1978. The relationship between S. ...

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A case of a giant congenital cellular blue nevus of the scalp of a newborn with focal areas of malignant melanoma is presented. The nevus was associated with focal invasion of the underlying soft tissues, calvarium, epidural space, and dura mater. The later appearance of pigmented nevi in the submandibular region, sternocleidomastoid muscle, and testicular hydrocele raises the question of future metastases despite the nonmalignant microscopic appearance. Therapy consisted of total excision with cranioplasty and rotation and split skin grafts after temporary closure with silicone mesh.