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Divergence and variability of genus Euscorpius in Europe
Novotný, Tomáš ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Hula, Vladimír (referee)
This Bachelor of Science thesis summarizes current knowledge about the species diversity and distribution of European scorpions of the genus Euscorpius. In this area it is the most species-rich genus of scorpions with significant additions to the total number of recognized species during the past decade from five species in 1999 to 17 species nowadays. This is primarily due to the use of molecular characters (especially the analysis of mitochondrial 16S RNA gene), allowing a better understanding of the variability of some morphological and morphometric characters. This work summarizes historical concepts of species variation and the use of the different types of characters in the genus Euscorpius. The distribution of the species currently recognized is described together with known factors that may affect it. The distribution of scorpions in the Czech Republic is included as a special chapter. Some species are suspected to have been accidentally introduced into new regions of Europe, of which the best example is E. tergestinus which has been introduced into Bohemia.
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Adaptations of terrestrial arthropods and especially arachnids to arid environmental conditions
Byronová, Markéta ; Starostová, Zuzana (advisor) ; Opatová, Věra (referee)
The biggest problem that terrestrial animals have to deal with is the risk of dehydration. Water is lost by evaporation during respiration and through the body surface, during excretion and various secretions. Terrestrial animals developed various physiological, morphological and behavioral adaptations against water loss. This work summarizes the knowledge about adaptations against water loss in arthropods in arid environmental conditions. It focuses on arachnids and especially on scorpions, which are widespread in arid areas and show high resistance to extreme desert conditions. The work examines the influence of environmental conditions on physiological processes in the body, morphological adaptations and behavioral changes. It defines specific adaptations of scorpions and describes in more detail the role of the hepatopancreas in maintaining the balance of fluids in the body and the subsequent changes in the osmolarity of hemolymph. Key words: evaporation, aridity, water balance, arthropods, arachnids, scorpion
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Divergence and variability of genus Euscorpius in Europe
Novotný, Tomáš ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Hula, Vladimír (referee)
This Bachelor of Science thesis summarizes current knowledge about the species diversity and distribution of European scorpions of the genus Euscorpius. In this area it is the most species-rich genus of scorpions with significant additions to the total number of recognized species during the past decade from five species in 1999 to 17 species nowadays. This is primarily due to the use of molecular characters (especially the analysis of mitochondrial 16S RNA gene), allowing a better understanding of the variability of some morphological and morphometric characters. This work summarizes historical concepts of species variation and the use of the different types of characters in the genus Euscorpius. The distribution of the species currently recognized is described together with known factors that may affect it. The distribution of scorpions in the Czech Republic is included as a special chapter. Some species are suspected to have been accidentally introduced into new regions of Europe, of which the best example is E. tergestinus which has been introduced into Bohemia.
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