Search

Taxonomic chimeras, artificial taxa created unintentionally by amalgamation of morphological traits belonging to different taxonomic units, can be found in 19th century to present day scientific literature. We recognise two types of such artefacts in Ostracoda. Chimera Type 1 is represented by species defined by morphological traits belonging to two (or more) different valid taxa at the rank of species. A thorough comparative analysis of carapace and limb characteristics of Fabaeformiscandona balatonica (Daday) sensu Bronshtein (1947) allows us to conclude that it is a chimera comprising F. balatonica and F. levanderi (Hirschmann), for which we provide new, expanded diagnoses. Chimera Type 2 refers to a genus defined by juvenile morphological traits that also occur in other genera. Analysis of Candoniella Schneider, 1956 shows it to be an artefact based on morphological traits belonging to juveniles of at least three genera: Pseudocandona Kaufmann, 1900, Fabaeformiscandona Krstić, 1972 and Neglecandona Krstić, 2006. Elimination of taxonomic artefacts is necessary to improve not only taxonomy but also adjacent domains of investigation like the ecology and geographical distribution of confused taxa. Considered in historical contexts, the creation and perpetuation of such accidental monstrosities may be attributed to social motivations as well as limitations of material, literature and communication.

The original diagnosis of the genus Microceratina Swanson is re-examined with the aim of elucidating the evolutionary history of this living and fossil genus. The different systematic placements of this genus in one of three alternative suprageneric taxa, family Bythocytheridae Sars, family Cytheruridae G.W. Müller (subfamily Eucytherurinae Puri, emend. Maddocks & Steineck) and/or family Loxoconchidae Sars are reviewed. We provide details of a special type of tiny pores, named Loophole Sieve-type Pore Canals, and show how their morphology and position on the valve differ from the typical Sieve-type Pore Canals present in other superfamily Cytheroidea groups, especially members of the Loxoconchidae. A comparative analysis of the valve ornamentation, especially the structure of the anterior peripheral area, and posterior margin morphology, between selected taxa of the three subfamilies of the Cytheruridae (Cytherurinae, Cytheropterinae, Eucytherurinae) demonstrates that Microceratina species belong to a special phylogenetic lineage of Eucytherurinae, which differs from another lineage represented by the genus Xylocythere Maddocks & Steineck. This proposal is strengthened by examination of the limb traits of Microceratina martensi Namiotko et al., currently the only living species of the genus for which both valves and limbs are described; the description is extended herein. Key diagnostic traits of the genus Microceratina are presented, a new Early Jurassic age species is described, and two new combinations are proposed. The homeomorphic valve shapes of M. andreui sp. nov., M. amfibola and ?S. rectum (Loxoconchidae) support the value of the approach adopted herein: analysis of subtle morphological details with high-resolution microscopy.

The ideas of E. G. Racovitza which led to the development of biospelaeology (biospeology, is the term used by Racovitza and adopted here) are reviewed. We emphasize the important research programme named Biospeologica which allowed to implement practical investigations on the subterranean animals due to enthusiastic cooperative work of many scientists. It leads to the exploration of many caves and other hypogean habitats. It is stressed out that the aim of Racovitza’s efforts was to stimulate scientists to contribute with their research to the development of an encyclopedic view of the “Natural History of the Subterranean Domain”. Examples from our own research reflect such ideas. We adopted Racovitza’s views on the phylogenetic systematics, on the way to identify the relict aspect displayed by many subterranean animal groups. Also it is pointed out the importance of Racovitza’s ideas for reconstruction of the dynamic dispersion of homogeneous phylogenetic animal lineages in time and space. Such ideas help us to develop biogeographic scenarios which are important for understanding earth’s history. It is confirmed this way that the ambitious programme of Racovitza, became during the time a real research tradition that merits being pursued by young naturalists interested in solving exciting problems related to the origin and evolution of the subterranean domain and its ecosystems.

Traian Orghidan aurait eu 100 ans cette année. Malheureusement il nous a quitté prématurément à l’âge de 68 ans. Ce naturaliste d’une exceptionnelle valeur laisse des souvenirs particulièrement marquants pour ses amis et collaborateurs. Voici quelques réflexions, sur la personnalité de ce naturaliste et sur sa contribution scientifique, qui nous reviennent en mémoire après avoir eu le privilège de le connaître directement et de travailler dans les laboratoires qu’il a dirigés avec enthousiasme et beaucoup de tact. Nous retracerons ici deux volets de sa personnalité scientifique: le chercheur passionné pour la connaissance de la nature et l’organisateur dynamique de l’Institut de Spéologie qui après 1956 a permis une renaissance des recherches spéologiques en Roumanie. Ses qualités ont marqué aussi notre façon de voir la nature, surtout celle du monde souterrain, un milieu caléidoscopique fascinant.

Examination of normal pore canals, especially sieve-type pore canals, in living and fossil representatives of ten genera of the family Limnocytheridae, subfamily Timiriaseviinae, has revealed important diversity of structure. These complex pore canals have been studied via high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (the Cartographic Method) and analysed via the application of newly devised indices to assess patterns of consistency and variation in both detailed structure of individual pores and of their distribution on the calcified valve. The timiriaseviine taxa are compared with species of the genera Limnocythere, sub-family Limnocytherinae and Cyprideis (family Cytherideidae). The relationship between the living animal and its aquatic environment is discussed in the light of previous studies and of new evidence herein. The importance of normal pore canals for systematics is highlighted by the recognition and definition of the new tribe Gomphodellini Danielopol, Cabral & Lord nov. tribe, subfamily Timiriaseviinae, family Limnocytheridae.

International audience; The so-called 8.2 ka event represents one of the most prominent cold climate anomalies during the Holocene warm period. Accordingly, several studies have addressed its trigger mechanisms, absolute dating and regional characteristics so far. However, knowledge about subsequent climate recovery is still limited although this might be essential for the understanding of rapid climatic changes. Here we present a new sub-decadally resolved and precisely dated oxygen isotope (d 18 O) record for the interval between 7.7 and 8.7 ka BP (10 3 calendar years before AD 1950), derived from the calcareous valves of benthic ostracods preserved in the varved lake sediments of pre-Alpine Mondsee (Austria). Besides a clear reflection of the 8.2 ka event, showing a good agreement in timing, duration and magnitude with other regional stable isotope records, the high-resolution Mondsee lake sediment record provides evidence for a 75-year-long interval of higher-than-average d 18 O values directly after the 8.2 ka event, possibly reflecting increased air temperatures in Central Europe. This observation is consistent with evidence from other proxy records in the North Atlantic realm, thus most probably reflecting a hemispheric-scale climate signal rather than a local phenomenon. As a possible trigger we suggest an enhanced resumption of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), supporting assumptions from climate model simulations.

The present essay reviews the history of the research on Elpidium ostracods (Timiriaseviinae), a group exclusively known to live in micro-aquaria of phytotelmata from Neotropical bromeliaceans. A new species, E. martensi n. sp., is described and aspects dealing with functional morphology and taxonomy of the genus are presented. Related to these topics an evolutionary hypothesis and a programme of pluridisciplinary research are proposed. This should allow further improvement of our knowledge on the origin and evolution of the subfamily Timiriaseviinae, one of the most diverse cytheroid ostracod groups in inland waters since the beginning of the Mesozoic. Specifically, the following aspects are treated in-depth in the essay: (1) morphologic traits of the valves, useful for characterisation of Timiriaseviinae taxa; (2) the reversal of the valve overlap and hinge elements; (3) the diverse development of the posterior half of the female carapace, a quasi-independent morphological trait; (4) the morphological shapes of the male copulatory process; (5) the functional significance of the antero-ventral segment of the valve selvage for the life of Elpidium ostracods in the micro-aquaria of the bromeliaceans; (6) the necessary improvement of comparative descriptions of the limbs-chaetotaxy for Timiriaseviinae.

International audience; Leptocythere karamani Klie, one of few non-marine species of the family Leptocytheridae (Ostracoda), is redescribed from specimens recently collected from the long-lived Lake Ohrid on the Albanian-Macedonian border. Detailed morphologies of valves and limbs of this species were compared with those of other Ohrid-Prespa leptocytherids, of some recent marine representatives of the genera Leptocythere Sars and Callistocythere Ruggieri from the Mediterranean, Irish and Baltic seas as well as with that of fossil non-marine species from the Miocene palaeo-Lake Pannon belonging to the genera Amnicythere Devoto and Euxinocythere Stancheva. Comparison with other species of Leptocytheridae inhabiting fresh to brackish waters of the Black-Azov, Caspian and Aral seas were also carried out using descriptions provided in the literature. Based on the comparative morphological studies it is shown that L. karamani and other Ohrid leptocytherids have a number of characters distinguishing them from other members of the genus Leptocythere but demonstrating a relationship with species of the genus Amnicythere. The most reliable of these characters are: a) anterior valve vestibulum from where mostly uni-ramified pore canals start, b) the entomodont hinge type with a strong anterior anti-slip tooth, a smooth posterior anti-slip bar on the left valve, and c) the hemipenis with underdeveloped lateral lobe and reduced clasping organ. From this strong evidence, the Ohrid leptocytherid species are allocated to the genus Amnicythere. Finally, a biogeographic scenario on the origin of the Ohrid leptocytherids is proposed which matches the “Lake Pannon derivate hypothesis”. Close relationship of the Ohrid Amnicythere species with the non-marine leptocytherid taxa from the Neogene lakes of Central and Eastern Europe and with extant taxa from the Black and Caspian seas may indicate that the Ohrid Amnicythere derived from Lake Pannon species which were able to colonise lakes in Southern Europe through a stepping-stone process and subsequently to adapt to freshwater environment.

The taxonomy of the genus Typhlocypris Vejdovský, 1882 is reviewed. New morphological information on Typhlocypris eremita (Vejdovský, 1882), the type species of the genus, is provided, and a new reference material is presented. The generic diagnosis is emended with details derived from the developmental trajectory of the valves, from the juvenile stage A-3 to the adult. Those criteria clearly differentiate Typhlocypris from the related genus Pseudocandona Kaufmann, 1900. As here redefined, Typhlocypris is a phylogentic lineage of the subfamily Candoninae containing extant species presently living in aquatic subterranean habitats and fossil species recovered from non-marine Late Palaeogene to Neogene and Quaternary deposits in Europe and western Asia. The type species of Typhlocypris is considered a metaspecies, taxonomically treated as T. eremita (sensu lato), which includes populations resembling the newly designated reference material. The homeomorphic triangular valve shape of the Candoninae is discussed. Careful examination of the valve morphology of Typhlocypris combined with the analysis of limb traits helps to distinguish representatives of this genus from unrelated phylogenetic groups presenting similar triangularly shaped valves. It is emphasised that for a useful description of Typhlocypris taxa both transmitted light and scanning electron microscopy are necessary.

The taxonomy of the genusTyphlocyprisVejdovský, 1882 is reviewed. New morphological information onTyphlocypris eremita(Vejdovský, 1882), the type species of the genus, is provided, and a new reference material is presented. The generic diagnosis is emended with details derived from the developmental trajectory of the valves, from the juvenile stage A-3 to the adult. Those criteria clearly differentiateTyphlocyprisfrom the related genusPseudocandonaKaufmann, 1900. As here redefined,Typhlocyprisis a phylogentic lineage of the subfamily Candoninae containing extant species presently living in aquatic subterranean habitats and fossil species recovered from non-marine Late Palaeogene to Neogene and Quaternary deposits in Europe and western Asia. The type species ofTyphlocyprisis considered a metaspecies, taxonomically treated asT. eremita(sensu lato), which includes populations resembling the newly designated reference material. The homeomorphic triangular valve shape of the Candoninae is discussed. Careful examination of the valve morphology ofTyphlocypriscombined with the analysis of limb traits helps to distinguish representatives of this genus from unrelated phylogenetic groups presenting similar triangularly shaped valves. It is emphasised that for a useful description ofTyphlocypristaxa both transmitted light and scanning electron microscopy are necessary.

The idea that free-living minute organisms have ubiquitous distributions has been recently revitalized, causing significant controversy. The ubiquitous model predicts that a threshold where ubiquity leaves room to biogeography might exist somewhere along the animal body-size range. In the present study, such a prediction is tested by analysing body-size frequency distribution, species distribution, and local-to-global species ratio at the scale of biogeographical realms in cypridoidean non-marine ostracods, a group with a body-size range in the ubiquity–biogeography (U-B) boundary. Data were gathered for all described extant cypridoidean ostracod species (N = 1761), with body-size recorded for 1134 of them. Although local-to-global species ratios show significant over-dispersal of small-body ostracods for the Palaearctic and the Australasian regions, there are explanations alternative to the ‘Everything is Everywhere’ model that can account for such a result. Indicators of taxonomic structure do not support the hypothesis of a random distribution of cypridoidean species among realms. Nevertheless, the strong biogeography signal occurring at a large scale vanishes at the local scale (country-level within the Palaearctic), and suggests wide dispersion within biogeographical realms. Additional factors, including inconsistent taxonomic criteria for species recognition, uneven sampling effort, and an excess of ‘single-report’ occurrences, have been identified too as potential distorters of the observed patterns. Taxonomic harmonization, open databases of biogeographical data, and better ecological information are suggested as critical goals that need to be achieved for further understanding of ostracod global distribution patterns. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 109, 409–423.

We investigated the sedimentary record of Lake Hancza (northeastern Poland) using a multi-proxy approach, focusing on early to mid-Holocene climatic and environmental changes. AMS 14C dating of terrestrial macrofossils and sedimentation rate estimates from occasional varve thickness measurements were used to establish a chronology. The onset of the Holocene at c. 11 600 cal. a BP is marked by the decline of Lateglacial shrub vegetation and a shift from clastic-detrital deposition to an autochthonous sedimentation dominated by biochemical calcite precipitation. Between 10 000 and 9000 cal. a BP, a further environmental and climatic improvement is indicated by the spread of deciduous forests, an increase in lake organic matter and a 1.7 parts per thousand rise in the oxygen isotope ratios of both endogenic calcite and ostracod valves. Rising delta 18O values were probably caused by a combination of hydrological and climatic factors. The persistence of relatively cold and dry climate conditions in northeastern Poland during the first one and a half millennia of the Holocene could be related to a regional eastern European atmospheric circulation pattern. Prevailing anticyclonic circulation linked to a high-pressure cell above the retreating Scandinavian Ice Sheet might have blocked the influence of warm and moist Westerlies and attenuated the early Holocene climatic amelioration in the Lake Hancza region until the final decay of the ice sheet.

For several groups of Crustacea (especially Remipedia, Malacostraca, and Ostracoda) it has been repeatedly suggested that the antennula (first antenna) is serially homologous with the post-antennular limbs, particularly with regard to the existence of an endopodite and an exopodite. This opinion is critically reviewed and, based on arguments derived from comparative morphology, developmental biology, and phylogeny of various groups belonging to the Arthropoda, ultimately refuted. Available evidence indicates that crustacean antennules are primitively single axis limbs and the use of a terminology derived from a biramous limb, as used in some publications, is both unjustified and potentially misleading. Pour plusieurs groupes de Crustaces (en particulier les Remipedes, les Malacostraces et les Ostracodes), il a ete suggere a plusieurs reprises que l'antennule (premiere antenne) est homologue serielle des appendices post-antennulaires, en particulier par rapport a l'existence d'un endopodite et d'un exopodite. Cette opinion est analysee de facon critique a partir d'arguments provenant de la morphologie comparative, de la biologie du developpement et de la phylogenie de divers groupes d'Arthropodes, et est finalement refutee. Les elements disponibles indiquent avec evidence que les antennules de crustaces sont primitivement des appendices a axe simple et l'usage d'une terminologie derivee d'un appendice birame, observe dans certaines publications, est a la fois injustifie et peut potentiellement induire des erreurs.

Summary 1. Delineation of protected areas for rare subterranean species is a key problem for groundwater biodiversity conservation, because of practical difficulties in implementation. Criteria for site selection are presented that are derived from studies on two remarkable Ostracoda, Dolekiella europaea Gido, Artheau, Colin, Danielopol & Marmonier (Limnocytheridae) and Vestalenula carveli Artheau (Darwinulidae) discovered in south-western France. 2. Arguments for natural heritage value and protection of subterranean species are proposed and illustrated by using information on these two ostracod species. The proposed criteria are: (i) local and/or regional endemism; (ii) known occurrence of the species at a few localities only; (iii) representativeness for ancient phylogenetic lineages with wider geographical distributions in the past; and (iv) suitability for scientific study because of unique morphological or biological traits. 3. It is also proposed to prioritise the protection of subsurface sites using the following criteria: (i) type locality for newly described species; (ii) presence of other rare stygobiotic taxa; and (iii) high population densities of the primary target species. 4. Development and implementation of protection strategies at local scale are likely to benefit from collaboration between scientists, policy makers and stakeholders. The measures taken should complement existing national and/or international attempts at large-scale protection of groundwater biodiversity.

The morphology and systematic affinities of Danielopolina sp. cf. D. kornickeri from Christmas Island, an isolated seamount in the Indian Ocean, are reassessed with the aid of new material including a juvenile male. The species is formally described as Danielopolina (Humphreysella) baltanasi sp. n., which places the species in a separate subgenus to Danielopolina (Danielopolina) kornickeri from northwest Australia, the only other member of the genus in the Indian Ocean. In addition, the only deep-sea member of the genus, D. carolynae from the mid-Atlantic, a putative colonizer of seamounts, belongs to the subgenus Danielopolina. These findings compound theories on the distribution and dispersal of anchialine faunas. A coherent programme of molecular phylogenetic research and historical biogeographical analysis is needed to further enquiry into the enigmatic distribution of the anchialine faunas of both isolated sea mounts and epicontinental waters. Owing to the scarcity of anchialine fauna and the difficulty of access of their habitat, a global effort will be required to assemble the required specimens. La morphologie et les affinites systematiques de Danielopolina sp. cf. D. kornickeri de l'ile Christmas, un mont sous-marin isole de l'ocean Indien, sont re-evaluees grâce a du materiel nouveau dont un mâle juvenile. L'espece est officiellement decrite comme Danielopolina (Humphreysella) baltanasi sp. n., qui la place dans un sous-genre distinct de Danielopolina (Danielopolina) kornickeri du nord-ouest de l'Australie, le seul autre membre du genre dans l'ocean Indien. De plus, le seul autre membre profond du genre, D. carolynae de la zone medio-Atlantique, que l'on suppose coloniser les monts-marins, appartient au sous-genre Danielopolina. Ces decouvertes compliquent les theories sur la repartition et la dispersion des faunes anchihalines. Un programme coherent de recherche sur la phylogenie moleculaire et l'analyse biogeographique historique sera necessaire pour eclaircir ulterieurement la repartition enigmatique des faunes anchihalines a la fois des monts sous-marins isoles et des eaux epicontinentales. En raison de la rarete de la faune anchihaline et de la difficulte d'acces a son habitat, un effort global sera necessaire afin de rassembler les specimens requis.

Groundwater ecology merged during the second part of the 20 th century with modern ecological practice after having adopted the ‘ecosystem concept’. The latter was first applied to karstic systems and separately for alluvial non-consolidated aquifers along surface running waters. Today groundwater ecosystems are studied within a multi- and transdisciplinary framework at various spatial and temporal scales by experts dealing with microbiology, the ecology and systematics of meio- and macro-fauna, geochemistry, hydrogeology and mathematical modelling. A further paradigmatic change occured with the recognition that subterranean assemblages of organisms are formed by both hypogean and epigean taxa. The biological diversity in subterranean ecosystems can be much higher than earlier thought and may even exceed surface diversity in some taxa. This largely unrecognized biodiversity in many cases deserves environmental protection. A third phase in the development of groundwater ecology has occured over the last 15 years with the incorporation of socio-economic research topics within groundwater ecology (GIBERT et al., 1994a) and in this sense today we have the “New Groundwater Ecology”.

ARTICLE I NFO A morphometric valve variability analysis of adults and juveniles of Vestalenula cylindrica (Straub, E.W., 1952. Mikropalaontologische Untersuchungen im Tertiar zwischen Ehingen und Ulm a. d. Donau. Geologisches Jahrbuch 66, 433-524.) from Gotzendorf-Pischelsdorf (Lower Austria, Upper Miocene) is presented. The data are compared with those from Studienka (Slovakia, Upper Miocene) and from Boliqueime (southern Portugal, Pleistocene). Specimens from Austria and Slovakia are very similar in their morphology. By contrast definite morphological differences between the Central European populations (from Austria and Slovakia) and the Portuguese one are identified, in both the valve shape and size. The valves from Portugal are more elongated and show a higher variability than the Austrian and Slovakian specimens. By considering the occurrence of a new Recent species of Vestalenula in southern France, these morphologic differences could be interpreted as micro-evolutionary changes, which could have occurred between the Miocene and the present time within the European populations.

Developmental trajectories refer here to patterns of size and shape changes in ostracod valves during the sequence of post-embryonic growth stages. The information obtained from the study of such patterns has significant applications for evolutionary biology and/or (palaeo) ecology. Using geometric morphometrics methods, we describe the developmental trajectories of three ostracod species with valves retrieved from the sediments of lakes Mondsee (Austria), Hancza (Poland) and Iseo (Italy). Size and shape data result in distinct developmental trajectories. Ontogenetic changes agree with predictions of Prizbram’s and Brooks’ laws. Patterns of valve shape change provide information which might be of use to the taxonomic definition of evolutionary lineages and to the development of studies of allometry and heterochrony in non-marine ostracods.

The genusHungarocyprisVavra, 1906 is known in Europe by a unique species,Hungarocypris madaraszi (Orley, 1886). Its morphological characteristics are briefly reviewed and compared with those ofHerpetocyprella mongolicaDaday, 1909 from Lake Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan. Two cypridoidean species,Hungarocypris auriculata (Reuss, 1850) andHungarocypris hieroglyphica (Mehes, 1907) from Upper Miocene deposits of Lake Pannon (Central and South-Eastern Europe), are compared toH. Madaraszi. Morphological traits of the fossil species point to close phylogenetical affinities withH. mongolica, and therefore transferred toHerpetocyprella Daday, 1909.H. auriculata is described, based on material from the Vienna Basin, the Eisenstadt-Sopron Basin and from the Styria Basin (Austria). Further, this species is compared toH. hieroglyphica from Banat (Romania). The morphological variability of the former species is presented. Palaeobiogeographical and palaeoecological implications are briefly emphasized.

Ideas from a workshop with the title ‘Ostracods of the Paratethys Sea and Lake Pannon‘, organised during the 6th European Ostracodologists’ Meeting (EOM-VI), are briefly presented. The necessity to start a new active communication between palaeontologists and neontologists on the evolution and palaeoecology of ostracods of the marine Paratethys and Lake Pannon during the Cenozoic in Europe and Asia is stressed. This should continue and extend studies of earlier generations of ostracodologists who contributed to the chronostratigraphic and palaeobiogeographic understanding of this domain. Several research topics are proposed and their importance is supported by such arguments as: (1) the high relevance of studies dealing with the origin and diversification of the fauna of (palaeo)ancient lakes; (2) the reconciliation of the systematics of fossil and Recent ostracod taxa, for a better reconstruction of evolutionary histories; (3) a better perception of the developmental trajectories of various Recent and fossil ostracod taxa to facilitate the application of ostracods for palaeoecological studies. Finally, topics for future workshops dealing with Cenozoic ostracods are proposed.

Morphology of both the valves and limbs of several parthenogenetic populations of the widespread non-marine ostracod Cryptocandona vavrai Kaufmann (sensu lato) living in groundwater habitats of western (France) and south-eastern Europe (Romania) was examined for the extent of intra- and interpopulational variation. Geometric morphometrics and multivariate statistics were employed for the description of the valve morphological disparity whereas the discriminant analysis was performed for the comparative analysis of the limb chaetotaxy. The ranges of the most studied limb traits principally overlapped among the populations, however considerable differences in the carapace shape and size, reflecting microevolutionary changes at a macro-scale (inter-population) level, allowed distinguishing quantitatively some Romanian populations which deserve a separate specific status. Hence, a new species Cryptocandona racovitzai sp. nov. is described which differs from C. vavrai sensu stricto mainly in larger size, in more triangular valve shape as seen laterally and in less developed inner lamella of the valves. Finally, after examination of more material from Romanian groundwaters, we hypothesised the presence of more new species within the studied lineage and concluded that Cryptocandona vavrai sensu lato is a polymorphic lineage consisting of several geographically differentiated species rather than just only one widely dispersed species.

We present briefly the scientific activity of the wellknown limnologist Heinz Loffler who passed away October 2006. Heinz Loffler was many years on the editorial board of Hydrobiologia. A complete list of his publications is attached as Electronic Supplementary Material.

Infiltration of surface water constitutes an important pillar in artificial groundwater recharge. However, insufficient transformation of organic carbon and nutrients, as well as clogging of sediments often cause major problems. The attenuation efficiency of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), nutrients and pathogens versus the risk of bioclogging for intermittent recharge were studied in an infiltration basin covered with different kinds of macrovegetation. The quality and concentration of organic carbon, major nutrients, as well as bacterial biomass, activity and diversity in the surface water, the porewater, and the sediment matrix were monitored over one recharge period. Additionally, the numbers of viral particles and Escherichia coli were assessed. Our study showed a fast establishment of high microbial activity. DOC and nutrients have sustainably been reduced within 1.2 m of sediment passage. Numbers of E. coli, which were high in the topmost centimetres of sediment porewater, dropped below the detection limit. Reed cover was found to be advantageous over bushes and trees, since it supported higher microbial activities along with a good infiltration and purification performance. Short-term infiltration periods of several days followed by a break of similar time were found suitable for providing high recharge rates, and good water purification without the risk of bioclogging.

Early this year, the Romanian Academy commemorated the centennial birthday of the evolutionary biologist Nicolae Botnariuc (1915-03-13–2011-03-01; Fig. 1). The scientific contribution of Botnariuc has been well recognized within the Romanian community of biologists which fostered influential personalities like Emil G. Racovitza, Constantin Motas, and Radu Codreanu (cf. Iftimovici 1977; Negrea 2007). However, many aspects of Botnariuc's scientific achievements remain largely unknown beyond the Romanian academic space, likely owing to publications with a restricted international distribution — at the time the academic space of Eastern Europe was still constrained ideologically. Nicolae Botnariuc was a natural historian, with a long career in zoology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. He joined the Department of Biology at the University of Bucharest in 1948 where he served as the head of department for more than 30 years. Botnariuc served also as the editor of the series of academic volumes Romania’s Fauna, an important contribution to the documentation of the biological diversity of fauna in Eastern Europe that resulted in 78 volumes. In 1991 Botnariuc became amember of the Romanian Academy. Over three decades of research and teaching, many generations of students were inspired by the clarity of his lectures, advanced ideas, and generous nature. Botnariuc introduced his students to the evolutionary theory and the systems theory in general biology while extending a strong appreciation for natural history and the history of biology (Negrea and Negrea 2008). He published more than 150 research articles along with a series of seminal books. His first book, printed in 1961 (Botnariuc 1961), portrayed a detailed and attractive history of biology that inspired many generations of students. This early publication was followed by several books (Botnariuc 1967, 1976, 1992, 2003a) in which Botnariuc adopted the general systems theory of Ludwig von Bertalanffy (von Bertalanffy 1932, 1950a, 1950b, 1968) and explored its applications to the evolutionary theory rooted in the neo-darwinian concepts. Botnariuc adopted the view of nature being organised in systems, with each system being formed by amultitude of interconnected parts and having emergent properties that differ from those of the constituent subunits. However, mid-career Botnariuc started reviewing critically the hierarchical systems proposed and debated at the time (e.g., Dice 1955; Odum 1959; Eldredge 1985; Mayr 1998) and recognized the diversity of ideas and the need for a clear definition of the notion of organizational level. In his books, Principles of biology (1967) and later in Systemic conception in general biology (1976), Botnariuc considered that living matter is structured in a series of interactive units forming hierarchic biological systems. For Botnariuc “a level of living matter organization is the assembly of equivalent biological systems, with a character of universality, able to have an independent existence” (Botnariuc 2003b

The 1st International Symposium on Ostracoda (ISO) was held in Naples (1963). The philosophy behind this symposium and the logical outcome of what is now known as the International Research Group on Ostracoda (IRGO) are here reviewed, namely ostracodology over the last 50 years is sociologically analysed. Three different and important historic moments for the scientific achievements of this domain are recognised. The first one, between about 1963 and 1983, is related to applied research for the oil industry as well as to the great interest in the better description of the marine environment by both zoologists and palaeontologists. Another important aspect during this period was the work by researchers dealing with Palaeozoic ostracods, who had their own discussion group, IRGPO. Gradually, the merger of this latter group with those dealing with post-Palaeozoic ostracods at various meetings improved the communication between the two groups of specialists. A second period was approximately delineated between 1983 and 2003. During this time-slice, more emphasis was addressed to environmental research with topics such as the study of global events and long-term climate change. Ostracodologists profited also from the research “politics” within national and international programmes. Large international research teams emerged using new research methods. During the third period (2003–2013), communication and collaborative research reached a global dimension. Amongst the topics of research we cite the reconstruction of palaeoclimate using transfer functions, the building of large datasets of ostracod distributions for regional and intercontinental studies, and the implementation of actions that should lead to taxonomic harmonisation. Projects within which molecular biological techniques are routinely used, combined with sophisticated morphological information, expanded now in their importance. The documentation of the ostracod description improved through new techniques to visualise morphological details, which stimulated also communication between ostracodologists. Efforts of making available ostracod information through newsletters and electronic media are evoked.

[The morphology and the systematic affinities of a unique juvenile specimen (post embryonic stage 1) of the ostracode, Danielopolina (family Thaumatocyprididae) are described. It was found in an anchialine cave of Christmas Island, an isolated seamount, and this is the second record of a Danielopolina species in the Indian Ocean. A comparative study of this individual with those belonging to the other 11 Danielopolina species suggests closer morphological affinities to the Australian species, D. kornickeri. In addition, our study allows the separation of the species of Danielopolina into the two new subgenera, Danielopolina and Humphreysella. Tabular keys are provided for the identification of the species belonging to these subgenera. La morphologie et les affinites systematiques d'un specimen juvenile unique (1er stade post-embryonnaire) d'un ostracode appartenant au genre Danielopolina (famille des Thaumatocyprididae) sont decrites. Cet ostracode a ete trouve dans une grotte anchialine de l'ile Christmas, un mont sous-marin isole, et c'est la seconde espece de Danielopolina rencontree dans l'ocean Indien. Une etude comparee de cet exemplaire et des 11 especes du genre Danielopolina suggere des affinites morphologiques plus etroites avec l'espece australienne D. kornickeri. De plus, notre etude a permis de separer les especes de ce genre en deux sous-genres nouveaux, Danielopolina et Humphreysella. Des cles d'identification des especes de ces sous-genres sont presentees., The morphology and the systematic affinities of a unique juvenile specimen (post embryonic stage 1) of the ostracode, Danielopolina (family Thaumatocyprididae) are described. It was found in an anchialine cave of Christmas Island, an isolated seamount, and this is the second record of a Danielopolina species in the Indian Ocean. A comparative study of this individual with those belonging to the other 11 Danielopolina species suggests closer morphological affinities to the Australian species, D. kornickeri. In addition, our study allows the separation of the species of Danielopolina into the two new subgenera, Danielopolina and Humphreysella. Tabular keys are provided for the identification of the species belonging to these subgenera. La morphologie et les affinites systematiques d'un specimen juvenile unique (1er stade post-embryonnaire) d'un ostracode appartenant au genre Danielopolina (famille des Thaumatocyprididae) sont decrites. Cet ostracode a ete trouve dans une grotte anchialine de l'ile Christmas, un mont sous-marin isole, et c'est la seconde espece de Danielopolina rencontree dans l'ocean Indien. Une etude comparee de cet exemplaire et des 11 especes du genre Danielopolina suggere des affinites morphologiques plus etroites avec l'espece australienne D. kornickeri. De plus, notre etude a permis de separer les especes de ce genre en deux sous-genres nouveaux, Danielopolina et Humphreysella. Des cles d'identification des especes de ces sous-genres sont presentees.]

The genus Danielopolina is reported from an isolated seamount, Christmas Island, Indian Ocean, where it is known, for the first time, in sympatry with a Procaridid Type of anchialine community. We explain the significance of the juxtaposition in this geographical and geological context and explore the role of active and passive dispersal in the colonization of remote seamount islands.

Marine species of the ostracod genus Microceratina Swanson (Cytheruridae, Eucytherurinae) were until now known only from their hard parts, the valves and carapaces, as no living animals have been described. Here we report the first living population, from a tropical anchialine cave. The description of the limbs and hard parts of this new taxon, M. martensi sp. nov., enhances our understanding of the origin and evolution of the cave-dwelling Microceratina – the new species and M. pseudoamfibola (Barbeito-Gonzalez) from an anchialine cave in Southern Italy – and clarifies their affinities with other Eucytherurinae species. Microceratina is known from both Recent and fossil species (Quaternary, Tertiary and Late Cretaceous) from shelf and deep-sea habitats and/or sedimentary facies, located in the Pacific Ocean (along the Australian and New Zealand coasts), the Mediterranean (Greece and Italy), the North Atlantic (British Isles) and the Baltic Sea (Rügen Island). This suggests that the Microceratina group spread through the expanding Tethys Ocean. The morphological traits of the two cave-dwelling species reflect their ecological conditions. Cave-dwelling Microceratina species appear to have originated from epigean shallow water species predisposed to colonize subterranean habitats.

Pseudocandona sywulai sp. nov. (Ostracoda, Candonidae) collected in the cave Ðuderina, Croatia, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to the eremita-species group of the genus Pseudocandona Kaufmann and can be distinguished from its congeners belonging to this group mainly by the shape and size of the carapace as well as by the chaetotaxy of the second antenna. It resembles P. eremita (Vejdovský, 1880) sensu lato very closely. A comparative morphological analysis of the species belonging to this group is presented also.

Morphometric techniques for the analysis of shape change in organisms have experienced a noteworthy development in the last decade. But despite the significant contributions that ostracodologists made to the field, their use in standard ostracode research is far from common. This contribution stresses the usefulness of morphometric methods to describe ostracode valve outlines and to summarize shape changes cued by environmental factors. Focus is on nonmarine ostracodes which are generally poorly ornamented so that their carapaces offer few landmarks for characterization of morphological change. Out of several alternatives three techniques for shape analysis are applied here: the B-splines method for approximative description of ostracode contours, Elliptic Fourier Analysis (EFA) and a Generalized (Resistant Fit) Procrustes Analysis. B-splines method is presented here for the first time within a biological framework and both its mathematical basis and practical usage are discussed. Additionally a computer program,Morphomatica, developed for performing B-splines analyses of ostracod outlines is briefly documented.Three case studies exemplify here how morphometric analysis might help either to detect environmental influences in ostracode shape or to show how morphological diversity of ostracode valve reflects environmental change. First, morphological variability within a clonal lineage ofHeterocypris barbara(Gauthier and Brehm) is shown to be related to environmental variables (mainly temperature) when raised under controlled conditions in the lab. Second, carapace variability at the population level is explored in a widely distributed species (Limnocythere inopinataBaird) sampled from distant localities. Morphometric analyses illustrate how such variability is not related to geographic distance but to environmental conditions. Finally, patterns of temporal change in morphological diversity of a widely distributed ostracode group, the Candoninae, are elucidated by using the B-splines method combined with multivariate statistical analysis.It is concluded that morphometric methods deserve to be included in the methodological toolbox of practicing ostracodologists as they can provide useful information in ecological and paleoecological research.

Ecological and socioeconomic aspects of subterranean hydrosystems have changed during the past 40–50 years. The major environmental pressures (mainly anthropogenic ones) impact the quantity and quality of groundwater resources and the state of subsurface ecosystems, and it is expected that the environmental pressures on groundwater will continue, at least until 2025, unless new environmental policies change this state of affairs. The world demographic increase and the general rise of water demand constitute one of the major environmental pressures on groundwater ecosystems especially in less developed countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Specific human activities leading to the depletion of groundwater reserves include agricultural practices, landscape alteration, urbanization demand for domestic and public drinking water, various industrial activities such as thermoelectric production and mining, and the rise of tourism in coastal areas. Climate change is contributing to the water crisis too, especially in areas with arid climate and/or in some humid monsoonal countries. The overload of aquifers with pollutants derived from agriculture (fertilizers and pesticides), from industry (release of hydrocarbon chemicals, especially spills), from waste and industrial waters, from domestic and industrial landfills, from the infiltration of pollutants from surface and from the intrusion of saline water affect groundwater quality. The dangerous increase in contaminated subsurface sites with chemicals and microbial pathogens brings with it health risks to humans. Changes of redox condition in groundwater zones, changes of biological diversity, vegetation changes with modification of agriculture practices and impacts at the biosphere scale, such as the increase in the concentration of nitrous oxides in the atmosphere, all impact groundwater ecosystems. Groundwater ecosystems must be better investigated and understood. Economic, social and ecological lines of thinking have to be combined in order to achieve meaningful policies for the sustainable development of groundwater reserves and for the protection of subsurface ecosystems. Practical measures and ideas for the development of policies up to the 2025 time-horizon should improve the sustainable usage of the world's groundwater resources.

Morphological disparity in carapace outline was investigated in sexual and asexual populations of a widely spread nonmarine ostracod, Eucypris virens (Jurine, 1820) (Crustacea, Ostracoda). Only shape similarities have been considered; size effect was removed by standardizing all outlines. Multivariate analysis of morphometric descriptors (Elliptic Fourier coefficients) show that efficient discriminant functions can be obtained to differentiate between sexual and asexual populations, left and right valves, as well as among local populations (86.7% correct classifications in average). Principal component analysis revealed main patterns in shape variability among average population shapes. Sexual dimorphism is shown in body size but not in carapace outline. Although two morphotypes, unrelated to geographical locality, have been recognized, shape variation was largely continuous among all populations. Disparity at the within-population level was similar for both right and left valves. Morphological disparity was lower in syngamic populations than in parthenogenetic populations. The results are discussed with regard to theories relating genetic and morphological diversity and to evidence on evolutionary ecology of reproductive modes in nonmarine ostracods. Advantages and further applications of morphometric analysis to taxonomic groups with rich fossil record, such as ostracods, is emphasized.

A high number of stygobites (35 taxa) was recorded within a protected area, the Lobau in Vienna. It is shown that within National Parks, the identification of biodiversity hotspots of stygobites represents an attractive scientific activity, which increases the cultural value of protected landscapes.

Cryptocandona phreaticola(Kiefer & Klie, 1927) and C. leruthi (Klie, 1936) are redecribed on the basis of type specimens, which allows (1) to present their morphology in detail, (2) to compare both species, and (3) to emphasize differential diagnostic characters of these species within the genus. They appear to be similar to each other and to come close to C. kieferi (Klie, 1938). Known data on the distribution and ecology of both redescribed species are also briefly summarized.

Cryptocandona brehmi (Klie, 1934) was collected from a cave in Japan; it differs markedly from the European Cryptocandona species colonizing subsurface waters. The redescription of the type material of this species allows to detail its peculiar morphological characteristics and to define its phylogenetic position within the genus Cryptocandona. C. brehmi displays closer phylogenetic affinities with the epigean species C.reducta (Alm, 1914), widely distributed in Europe. Both species form a lineage which appears more primitive than the other representatives of Cryptocandona. C. brehmi could belong to a psychrophilous fauna which spread from Europe toward eastern Asia during the Pleistocene.