Analysis of morphological features connections in representatives of saprophages (case study Rossiulus kessleri (Lohmander, 1927)

Abstract

Among the natural mechanisms that positively influence on the optimization of anthropogenically transformed soils, on sustainability of natural soils, there is saprophages’ pertinent activity. Typical representatives of saprophages within such functional group as «ecosystem engineers» are diplopoda. Their trophometabolic (excretory) function is a significant factor in the fertility soil rising. The object of the study – Rossiulus kessleri (Lohmander, 1927), the representative of Diplopoda (Julidae). The aim of the paper is studing the interdependence morphological features among R. kessleri individuals from different forest ecosystems (natural ash-maple oakery within subwatereshed-ravine landscape, natural maple-aspen oakery within terrace flood plain, maple standing forest within subwatereshed-ravine landscape) within the steppe zone of Ukraine. Statistical analysis, on the criterion of multiple comparison of averages (test Tukey) for females from three forest types, revealed statistically significant (P ≤ 0,05) differences in average width and length of it’s body, and in the length of the collum. For males from three forest types, significant differences (P ≤ 0,05) was found in width and length of the antennae, meanwhile for lingular plates’ length and width, and for length and width of the gnathochilarium, differences was not established. Analysis of morphological features connections was carried out using multiple regression methods, which allowed to develop mathematical models with high predictive power. It is established that morphological changes of some diplopoda’s structural features are correlated with one or several other ones. Multiple regression methods showed standing assemblages of quantitative characteristics that might be predicted by certain morphometric features both for males and females (for example by linear size of its body, or size of gnathochilarium elements). It is shown that antennae’s length and width, correlate with body length (for females) and body width (for males) respectively. As for gnathochilarium elements, for females a great number of features were determined as remained in mathematical models after statistical processing. Thus, lingular plates’ length and width might be predicted by additive (total) contribution of body’s length and width, and gnathochilarium length for females, and for males, respectively, only the by gnathochilarium width and by body’s length. The identified features are elements of morphological integration, which makes structural and functional integrity of organisms as a system.