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Diversity and distribution of scorpions (Arahnida: Scorpiones)
Plíšková, Jana ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Kůrka, Antonín (referee)
This thesis is devoted to species diversity and biogeography of Scorpiones order. Bachelor work is presenting basic problems of this area and major split in higher classification of scorpions, which is still not firmly defined. In the work is also provided an overview of the current 15 families, to whom is the scorpions order divided by classification proposed by Soleglad & Fet (2003), including their distribution, the number of families and species they cover. Factors which had or still have an impact on the expansion of scorpions are also discussed. Described factors, which affects the distribution and diversity of scorpions, are: continental drift and Quaternary climate change (historical aspects) and temperature, parthenogenesis and human factor (environmental aspects). These factors influenced the biogeography of scorpions at different taxonomic levels, in different evolution time scale and on differently sized territories.
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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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Biogeography of arachnofauna of the Alps
Šilhavá, Alena ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Řezáč, Milan (referee)
This bachelor thesis gives a summarizing overview of the biogeography of arachnofauna of the Alps. It covers five orders of arachnids residing in the Alps, namely scorpions (Scorpiones), pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones), palpigrades (Palpigradi), harvestmen (Opiliones) and spiders (Araneae). The work is focused on the distribution of endemic and subendemic species of these orders of arachnids and on factors that can influence their distribution and total diversity in the Alps. It turns out that temperature and humidity are important factors. Pseudoscorpions occur more frequently in warmer areas at lower altitudes, while especially scorpions of the genus Euscorpius (Alpiscorpius) and harvestmen are more tolerant to areas with a lower temperature, while harvestmen especially require sufficient humidity. For spiders in the mountains of the Alps total species richness and density decreases mainly from open land to the forest. Total diversity in the Alps has also been influenced by temperature oscillations during the Quaternary climatic changes and different positions and types of refugia. This is apparent at the species closely related to soil environment, such as palpigrades or cave pseudoscorpions of the family Syarinidae. Key words: biogeography, the Alps, endemic, Scorpiones, Pseudoscorpiones,...
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Diversity and distribution of scorpions (Arahnida: Scorpiones)
Plíšková, Jana ; Šťáhlavský, František (advisor) ; Kůrka, Antonín (referee)
This thesis is devoted to species diversity and biogeography of Scorpiones order. Bachelor work is presenting basic problems of this area and major split in higher classification of scorpions, which is still not firmly defined. In the work is also provided an overview of the current 15 families, to whom is the scorpions order divided by classification proposed by Soleglad & Fet (2003), including their distribution, the number of families and species they cover. Factors which had or still have an impact on the expansion of scorpions are also discussed. Described factors, which affects the distribution and diversity of scorpions, are: continental drift and Quaternary climate change (historical aspects) and temperature, parthenogenesis and human factor (environmental aspects). These factors influenced the biogeography of scorpions at different taxonomic levels, in different evolution time scale and on differently sized territories.
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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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