Seasonal distribution of Isotomina thermophilan in a secondary succession and a homegarden in Cachar, Assam.
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Date
2012-03
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Abstract
Present investigation was carried out in Cachar district of Assam over a period of two years (May 2007 - April
2009) to understand the seasonal ecology of Isotomina thermophila (Axelson, 1900) in secondary succession
and homegarden ecosystems. Population was found to be maximum during July 2008 (7949.05 No. m-2) and
September 2008 (7949.05 No. m-2) in homegarden whereas the peak was recorded in secondary succession
during September 2008 (13656.05 No. m-2). Least population was encountered during March 2008 (1222.93
No. m-2) and April 2008 (1630.57 No. m-2) in homegarden and secondary succession, respectively. It may be
due to the fact that, vital activity of this species effected in the dry period or migrate towards lower soil profile
in search of food and moisture. Linear regression analysis established the hypothesis that all the environmental
variables showed positive and significant influence on the population dynamics whereas in homegarden,
rainfall (r= 0.36, p>0.05) did not show any influence. In multiple regression analysis positive and significant
influences (p<0.05) were recorded for both the investigated sites. Rainfall, relative humidity and temperature
facilitated the soil moisture, microbial activity, litter decomposition may favour the reproduction and growth rate
of the species. Among microclimatic conditions except soil pH all other parameters exhibited significant
correlations (p<0.05) with population. Based on the present investigation, it can be concluded that I. thermophilia
does not differ much with the general ecology of collembolans in this sub humid climate.
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Keywords
Climatic variables, Total nitrogen, Multiple regression, Isotomina thermophila, Seasonal ecology
Citation
Gope Ranabijoy, Ray D C. Seasonal distribution of Isotomina thermophilan in a secondary succession and a homegarden in Cachar, Assam. Journal of Environmental Biology. 2012 Mar; 33(2): 181-186.