|
|
Exoskeletal structure and composition in selected arthropod groups of the Prague Basin
Šilinger, Matěj ; Fatka, Oldřich (advisor) ; Weiner, Tomáš (referee)
The thesis is focused on the study of the internal exoskeletal microanatomy of trilobites and phyllocarid crustaceans from Lower Paleozoic rocks of the Prague Basin. Two main methods are used for this study. The first method, etching of polished slices with ethylendiamintetraacetic acid (EDTA) has been used for the study of microanatomy of trilobite exoskeletons; this method is for the first time used on material from the Prague Basin. The second method, maceration in hydrofluoric acid has been used mainly for the extraction of "small carbonaceous fossils". This method is for the first time applied for the study of exoskeletons in phyllocarid crustaceans. Main goal of the thesis is to determine whether the exoskeletons of trilobites and phyllocarid crustaceans found in the Prague basin are suitably well preserved to be studied with above mentioned methods. Key words: arthropods, exoskeletal structure and composition, Prague Basin
|
|
|
A novel approach imaging engorged ticks: Micro-CT scanning of Ixodes ricinus fed on blood enriched with gold nanoparticles
ONDRUŠ, Jaroslav
Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is an exceptional non-destructive imaging modality, which can be used to visualize both external and internal morphology of arthropods like ticks. The major micro-CT drawback is the soft tissues visualization, which require pre-examination contrasting steps. The commonly employed tick contrasting methods are drying and immersion in a solution containing a high-atomic number element, which both cause major deformation and shrinkage of examined specimens. The aim of this study was to develop a new tick contrasting approach to bypass these limitations. We show that adult Ixodes ricinus females engorged in vitro on blood enriched with gold nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol coating can be scanned with excellent contrast. By utilizing this technique based on the hematophagous nature of the ticks, we were able to observe midgut lumen, midgut epithelium and rectal sac in their natural state. In addition, we were able to precisely calculate the midgut volume.
|
|
|
Arthropods as a Cause of Human Parasitosis
Linhartová, Andrea ; Hanel, Lubomír (advisor) ; Říhová, Dagmar (referee)
This bachelor's thesis is focused on the issue of arthropods as ectoparasites of man. Its aim is to create a list of selected arthropod species that may be pathogenic to humans. The overview concerns primarily species living in the Czech Republic. Furthermore the thesis will include information about their characteristics, morphology, development and symptoms of infected hosts
|
|
|
Adaptation of terrestrial arthropods to the cave environment
Rothová, Helena ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Růžička, Vlastimil (referee)
Every living things on our planet is adapted to the environmen it inhabitst, and a number of factors affect its overall appearance and behaviour. This is especially true for organisms living in environments with extreme conditions, where it has to adapt to be able to use the often limited resources. One of these environments are subterranean spaces lacking any light and having a limited supply of nutrients. This bachelor thesis presents a brief overview of the basic types of underground spaces and the way nutrients get into them, which are important factors that determine the presence of different groups of organisms. This thesis also summarizes the terminology used in relation to this type of environment. However, the main aim of this paper is to describe morphological, physiological, as well asbehavioral adaptations to subterranean life of terrestrial representatives from particula groups of the tribe Arthropoda (Arachnida, Myriapoda, Crustacea, Hexapoda). From the presented list of specific adaptations in those groups it follows that all main evolutionary lines show similar types of adaptations, such as depigmentation, reduction or complete loss of vision, prolongation of body appendices, multiplication of sensory setae and enlargement of the body, as well as adaptations that help organisms to...
|
|
|
Evolutionary dynamics of rDNA clusters in arthropods with holocentric chromosomes
Tymich, Alexandr ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Dalíková, Martina (referee)
Nowadays, rDNA clusters displayed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are one of the standard cytogenetic markers used to identify chromosome homology, allowing the determination of mechanisms and possible rate of rearrangements during karyotypic evolution of the studied groups. This bachelor thesis presents a review of the variability of rDNA clusters in arthropods with holocentric chromosomes. Most of the groups studied so far (Odonata, Psocoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Buthidae and the genus Rhipicephalus) show a conservative number and position of rDNA clusters. However, this fact may be due to the limited amount of data available. Nowadays, best studied is order Lepidoptera, in which a relatively large variability in the number and position of rDNA clusters has been found. This is probably due to chromosome fusion/cleavage, chromosome rearrangements, or transposition of rDNA clusters. Key words: rDNA clusters, holocentric chromosomes, fluorescence in situ hybridization, arthropods, evolutionary dynamics, NOR
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Selected Arthropods as Human Ectoparasites
Vacková, Karolína ; Hanel, Lubomír (advisor) ; Říhová, Dagmar (referee)
The main aim of this bachelor thesis is to emphasize how significantly human life can be influenced even by small organisms such as castor bean tick, head louse and bed bug. A listing of possible complications and diseases that we can encounter in everyday life in connection with these representatives is presented in this work. Treatment options are mentioned as well but the work focuses mainly on prevention. The introductory part of the thesis defines parasitism as a very specific life strategy. This phenomenon is seen here from many angles, and the individual types of parasitism are complemented by examples of specific parasitic representatives. The next part of the thesis deals only with selected hematophagous ectoparasites. The physical structure, developmental stages, occurrence of these arthropods and also their effects on the host are described here. The final part of this work focuses on the use of arthropod parasitology in teaching. The chapter includes several exercises that could be used to teach parasitology at primary or secondary school, as well as a test of pupils' hygiene literacy and linking parasitism to other educational subjects. The text was written using many biologically focused articles and other specialized literature. KEYWORDS: arthropods, human ectoparasites, prevention
|
|
|
Influence of military disturbances on succession of arthropod communities in Brdy
Palivcová, Lucie ; Tropek, Robert (advisor) ; Knapp, Michal (referee)
The thesis aims for relationship between military-caused disturbance intensity and species richness, conservation value and composition of arthropods communities in the Brdy Mts. In the Brdy abandoned military area (MTA), a highly heterogeneous habitat mosaic developed by the long-term influence of military disturbances on two shooting areas of Jordán and Tok. The habitats range from strongly disturbed sites with sparse vegetation, through heterogeneous growths of Erica and Vaccinium in moderately disturbed sites, to sparse woodlands in the least disturbed sites. Based on the shooting areas history reconstruction, 24 study plots of 4 categories of different disturbance intensity were selected in both shooting areas together. Standardized sampling of seven groups of arthropods was performed in summer 2017 by pitfall traps, yellow pan traps, and light traps. More intensive disturbances positively influenced species richness of Aculeates and conservation value of spiders and beetles, but negatively affected species richness of moths. Simultaneously, the intensity of disturbances affected community composition of spiders, moths, beetles, Aculeates and Orthopteroids. Endangered species mostly affiliated to the more intensively disturbed plots. This results should be helpful in understanding of influence...
|
|
|
Arthropods as a model taxon in learning about nature at primary level
TŮMOVÁ, Jana
This diploma thesis deals with the arthropod strain as a suitable taxon model in learning about the nature at the first grade of a primary school. The methodological analysis of using the animal strain explains the reasons why the arthropods are used in teaching natural science lessons and provides specific characteristics and manifestations of living organisms, which are possible to be demonstrated on it. The second part of the literature review presents the status of learning about the nature according to the Framework educational program and representation of arthropods in czech textbooks of the natural sciences. The thesis is a collection of newly created exercises for a first degree pupils of primary education, using the selected representatives of arthropods. These tasks use the methods of the direct study of nature and the elements of contemporary popular research-oriented teaching.
|
|
|
Arthropods as a Cause of Human Parasitosis
Linhartová, Andrea ; Hanel, Lubomír (advisor) ; Říhová, Dagmar (referee)
This bachelor's thesis is focused on the issue of arthropods as ectoparasites of man. Its aim is to create a list of selected arthropod species that may be pathogenic to humans. The overview concerns primarily species living in the Czech Republic. Furthermore the thesis will include information about their characteristics, morphology, development and symptoms of infected hosts
|
guest ::
