ANIMAL ECOLOGY

Author: VALLADOLID MARTÍN MARIA.
Year: 2002.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA.

Summary: The river Lozoya entirely confined to the province of Madrid, which remains one of the main suppliers of water in the region. Intense regulation through its channel downstream reservoirs causes the emergence of extreme conditions for aquatic organisms that inhabit it, the main one being the shortage of water. This paper presents the biology of feeding species cipriniformes (Ciprinidae and Cobitidae) habitán low Lozoya: diet, ecomorfología of digestive and interspecific relationships (allocation of resources). For the study of samples of fish and invertebrates, campaigns 24 hours (every 3 hours) in April, May, July, September and December 1990. All species studied (Squalius alburnoides; S.pyrenaicus, Barbus bocagei, Chondrostoma plylepis, Gobio gobio, Cobitis paludica and C.calderoni) consume invertebrates, plant matter of various types and detritus, the proportions vary with the species and the time of year . The invertebrates are favorite prey, but when escasan opting for other resources more abundant. Both species Squalius exploit other resources seasonal, but powerful energy, such as fish eggs in the spring or aquatic vertebrates (S.pyrenaicus) in the summer. The study of the length of the digestive system of different species reveals that there are significant differences between them, not only in terms of their relative length, but also in the pace of growth. This length on the other hand, is associated with the kind of basic food offered. Thus, species that consume more invertebrate digestive show shorter while those who eat large amounts of plant material usually have digestive many longer compared and fastest growing relative. As for the interspecific relationships, diets of different species are suppressed in the months most productive and positive, being different from the rest, with a cash distribution of resources among the various species. We can summarize by saying that the species cipriniformes low Lozoya adapted to the extreme environmental conditions of the river (drought in the summer and sometimes most of the year) by varying their diet, according to their digestive capacity and available resources, introducing diets more similar (consumption of invertebrates) in the most favorable when the abundance of food allows these fish diets richer in nutrients.

Author: BRUCET BALMAÑA SANDRA.
Year: 2003.
University: GIRONA.
Place of defense: CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSITAT DE GIRONA.

Author: BRUCET BALMAÑA SANDRA.
Year: 2003.
University: GIRONA.
Place of defense: CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSITAT DE GIRONA.

Author: VILA RIFÀ ENRIQUE.
Year: 2003.
University: LLEIDA.
Place of defense: ESCUELA TÉCNICA SUPERIOR DE INGENIEROS AGRÓNOMOS.
Place of preparation: ESCUELA TÉCNICA SUPERIOR DE INGENIEROS AGRÓNOMOS.

Summary: The biological pest control by conservation involves managing the means to promote natural enemies and makes it possible to reconcile the objectives of profitable agricultural production with environmental protection. The management of the environment should take place both in the area of crop and the farm's agricultural landscape as to ensure the survival of natural enemies. It is also necessary to identify shelters that help to keep the populations of arthropods and assistants from which they can disperse, especially in crops annually. Macrolophus melanotoma (= M. caliginosus) and Dicyphus tamaninii (Heteroptera: Miridae) are two predators polífagos being used successfully for biological control of pests in vegetable crops. Colonizan crops from the adjacent vegetation, but not always so early enough to prevent damage from pests. This paper has studied the role of non-cultivated plants refuge in the conservation of these and other míridos predators in the agricultural landscape. To do so, were sampled with a vacuum cleaner and traps intersection populations heterópteros of plant common natural environment of farmland. Specifically, were studied 4 fields dominated by Dittrichia viscose and shrubs dominated by Cistus spp. It has also considered the importance of a diet exclusively fitófaga in developing these míridos, in order to better their ability to establish a specific habitat. The results show that M. Melanotoma is mírido predator most abundant in D. Viscose, and this is the host, where they develop the largest populations of mírido. According to the pattern of abundances of mírido proposes a model of development of their populations. There are two generations in this host, one in winter, with populations more scarce, and another in the spring, with higher abundances. The highest populations are developed in plants 2 years old, and the vegetative growth sooner is the variable that best explains the largest populations of young plants from the winter. Declining stocks occurs in the summer, coinciding with morphological and physiological changes of the plant, as a progressive hardening of the stems that entails a decrease of the surface where M. Melanotoma can perform the making. The majority of flight activity occurs during this period of declining populations. In C. Albidus, populations of M. Melanotoma are less plentiful than in D. Viscose, while confirming its role as host reproduction. The mírido predator majority in this plant is M. Costalis. The largest populations of this mírido occur in winter, coinciding with the active vegetative growth of the plant. Other common plants margins and abandoned fields with D. Viscose are guests of M. Melanotoma during the winter. We have confirmed 9 guests have known and identified 21 new ones. The largest populations of mírido were found in Ononis natrix, Erigeron spp., Parietaria Judaic, Scabiosa atropurpurea, Geranium spp., Centaurea sp. Echium vulgare and Calendula arvensis. With the exception of O. Natrix, the only remaining plants were found high populations of mírido when they were within areas dominated by D. Viscose. Other míridos predators that are prevalent in horticultural crops, as Dicyphus and Nesideocoris, are mainly in Geranium spp., Galium aparine, P. Judaic and Calendula arvensis. M. Melanotoma complete development preimaginal with a diet fitófaga in D. Viscose, C. Albidus, Erigeron spp., Patatera and tomatera. The best guests to conserve nymphs are no dams D. Viscose and 8 patater 53rd a. With a mixed diet of plant and dam development is faster and survival is higher, and there are no differences between guests vegetables. Also, the weight and size of the females of mírido are greater with diet mixed with plant alone, suggesting the requirement of dams for the development of adult quality. D. Tamaninii complete development preimaginal in tomatera, patatera and D. Viscose without dams, and the increased survival occurs in the two crops. According to these results are discussed possibilities for management of vegetation around farmland to encourage populations míridos predators.

Author: RODRÍGUEZ PATIÑO JOSÉ GERMÁN.
Year: 2003.
University: VIGO.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS DEL MAR.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD DE VIGO.

Summary: In this research were studied composition and abundance of meiofauna in twenty-four beaches located in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula, Isle of Sylt (Germany) and the island of Chiloe (Chile) for the purpose of analyzing the effect of hidrodinamismo and physical factors on the structure and zoning of meiobents. This thesis is divided into five chapters. In the first chapter, we studied the structure and zonation meiofauna in intertidal sand in Galicia. The results show that the abundance of meiofauna is dominated by Nematoda, Copepoda, Foraminiferida, and Platyhelminthes Oligochaeta. The environmental variables that best explained the distribution of porosity were meiofauna, nitrogen concentration, redox potential and water content of the sediment. In a second chapter studied the temporal variation of the density of meiofauna over a period of two years. The vertical distribution was associated with redox potential and tempereatura. The variation in density was related to temperature, nutrient concentration, salinity, redox potential and grain size medium. In the third chapter, we studied the relationship between the distribution of meiofauna and morphodynamic and the degree of exposure to waves. The variability in the composition along the intertidal beaches reflectivas towards increased from beaches dissipative. The total abundance of meiofauna increased from beaches protected beaches until very exposed. In the fourth chapter, we studied the distribution of mesoscale meiofauna on a beach in between. The density of meiofauna was autocorrelacionada significantly in scale from three to six meters exist anisotropy. In the fifth chapter rated variation of the index nematodes / copepods in relation to environmental characteristics. We found that this index has a high variation space making it difficult to use as an indicator of pollution.

Author: INCERA FILGUEIRA MÓNICA.
Year: 2003.
University: VIGO.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS DEL MAR.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD DE VIGO.

Summary: In this research were studied in a comparative eleven beaches along the northwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula and presenting a difernte hidrodinamismo, withthe purpose of analyzing the effect of hidrodinamismo and physical factors on the structure and the zonation macorfauna well as the effect of hidrodinamismo on the biochemical composition of sedimento.Esta thesis was divided into five chapters well defined. In the first chapter, we studied the structure and zonation macrofauna in intertidal arenosos.Los results show that the abundance of macrofauna is higher beaches protegidad, where there is a low hiddrodinamismo, which beaches expuestas.Por other hand, community structure differs between protected and exposed beaches mainly in the middle and lower levels of the tide being the top level the more resemblance between these two groups playas.En second chapter we studied the effect of exposure of hidrodinamismo present inthe beaches on the biochemical composition of the sediment (protein, fat and carbohydrates). protected beaches had a higher concentration than the beaches exposed but nevertheless the relative importance of commpuestos biochemical is the same in the two groups of beaches, dominating proteins, followed by carbohydrates and finally the lípidos.Además estimated the bioavailable fraction of the organic matter by calculating the carbon biopolimérico estimated on the basis of equivalent carbon concentrations of proteins, lipids, and carbohidratos.El carbon biopolimérico, presenting a strong relationship withthe exposure of the beaches so that ladisponibilidad food in the middle (carbon bioavailable) increases to reduce the exposure of playas.En the third chapter discusses the possible causes leading to disminucuón of macrofauna passing of palyas protected beaches expuestas.Esta decline in wildlife has traditionally been explained by the hypothesis Exclusion Swash (HES) (McLachalan et al, 1993). This hypothesis suggests that the zone beaten, zoan of swas is variable fit to explain the decrease of macrofauna on the beaches more expuestas.En this chapter discussed the predictions arising dde the HES, namely a decrease in the abundance, diversity and biomass of macrofauna in the middle and lower levels (zone beaten ) exposed beaches and an increase in the abundance and deversidad species adapted to the area in whipped beaches expuestas.Nuestros results confirmed these predictions so that the HES is a plausible hypothesis to explain the variaxión of wildlife in presenting beaches a different hidrodinamismo. The fourth chapter examines the influence of abiotic factors and factotes biotic envelopes distribution macrofauna through two types of analisis.Por a party relations were studied using a method multivarianrte classic as is the analysis and canonical correlation on the other hand is applied a mètodo widely used in terrestrial communities and dulceacuícoleas but reused in the case of benthic communities, metodlogía of profiles ecológicos.Los results of this chapter show that both methods presented results similarres but ecological profiles presented an added advantage on the correlation analysis and canonical is allowing quantify more precisely the relationship between a species and a factor. In the fifth and final chapter, a study was conducted specifically on the effect of one variable on the spatial distribution of macrofauna.Aplicancdo an analysis of spatial autocorrelation will study the effect of variation of the tidal range, tide alive vs.marea dead on the spatial distribution of two especi 8 is is 588 ópodos gender Eurydica, E. Pulchra and E.affinis.Este study showed a clear effect of tidal range on the spatial distribution of gender Eurydice, so that during the gang killed when available space inthe ees lower intertidal zone, the two species have a greater agragación space and larger aggregates during tide viva.Por Furthermore space between Eurydice and one of its potential resources, meiofauna, differs among gang alive and tide muerta.En tide alive, the two species have a positive association with space the major taxa maiofauna (nematodes, copepods and foraminifera) while at neap tide, when available space is smaller, E.affinis presents a positive relationship with space meiofauna while E.pulchra has an negativa.Este result could indicating a possible competition for resources closed between these two species of Isopoda cuanado there is a limitation in space.

Author: CUEVAS MORENO JESÚS ANGEL.
Year: 2003.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID.
Place of defense: AMBIENTALES DE LA COMUNIDAD DE MADRID FERNADO.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLOGÍCAS.

Summary: It deals with a study of communities of waterfowl in rivers in the basin average Tagus (Tagus river, Jarama, Manzanares and Henares). These birds are used as indicators of changes in river ecosystems and response management river. It is characterized the temporal and spatial variation of the communities depending on the composition of species, various biological and activaidades of comportamiento.Cuantificamos the naturalistic value of the rivers, identify environmental factors relevant to explain the variation in the communities and simulate effects on them have different scenarios for human use. Section III describes the composition of the communities in terms of abundance, wealth and biodiversity, using the results to classify and assess river sections surveyed. In Chapters IV and V are identified and characterized the temporal and spatial patterns of communities, identifying environmental factors responsables.El method allows synthesize characteristics geofisicas and use of landscape that best discriminate differences bird communities. The simulation of the effects of different management scenarios on communities is addressed in chapter VI.Mediante mathematical equations, is predicting the impact of these scenarios on the taxonomic composition and abundance of birds and landscapes are modeled river appropriate to maintain high values the richness and diversity. The study provides models of river habitat canonical (ideals) to develop different activities behavior of the major taxonomic groups of birds (Chapter VII). Them, highlighting the role of specific hardware, vegetation and use torque maintenance such activities. The study provides environmental performance originals and highlights the importance of the rivers in the conservation of bird diversity acuáticas.Los results have been intepretados with a theoretical approach and applied to managing river.

Author: Jáimez Cuéllar Pablo.
Year: 2003.
University: GRANADA.
Place of defense: Universidad de Granada.
Place of preparation: Universidad de Granada.

Summary: Over 2 annual campaigns sampling in 21 installments delos Guadalfeo river and Adra has obtained a physico-chemical characterization of its waters. Parallel has been evaluated according to their ecological criteria of the water framework directive, obtained as a result that 53% of the studied sections do not meet the quality criteria set by the directive said. As for the ecorregionalización of watersheds, based on a zoning other biotic and abiotic yielded an ecorregionalización end with the result 5 ecoregions from the mouth of the river Adra, the lower stretches of watersheds, the bands means, the average mountains and the mountains.

Author: CORREAS GALÁN ANA M..
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Summary: The behavioral responses of organisms to environmental variability can be of two different types; selection of habitat and changes in individual behavior. These responses, which occur at different spatial scales have been addressed on numerous occasions and that may have implications for the distribution and abundance of species. However, relations between the two types of response and between responses and the scale at which they occur, have not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, the central objective of this thesis is to analyze the behavioral responses that, at different scales, presents five species of fish to environmental variability in the Mediterranean rivers they inhabit and the relationships between them, and analyze these relationships at different spatial scales . Rivers Mediterranean is a good system to address these issues for several reasons. First, the rivers have an extremely high environmental heterogeneity in space and time. This variability is organized hierarchically with units at different spatial scales so that the units each contain the scale of the immediately lower level. The temporal variability in rivers Mediterranean is most pronounced, with periods of summer drought and floods irregular shape not only the appearance of these rivers, but also the biology and behavior of the fish that live there. Moreover, on many occasions it has been found that fish respond to environmental variability, both with habitat selection as changes in their behavior at different scales. In accordance with the overall aim above in this thesis are trying to answer a number of specific questions: 1-Do you is the selection of habitat most frequent variation in behavior? 2-Do you both answers are independent or the presence of an affect the probability of occurrence of another? 3-Do you have any spatial scale influence on the relative frequencies of the two types of response? 4-Do you affects the spatial scale to the relationship between the two responses? It addresses these issues tackled in five species of fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae: Barbus graellsii Steindachner, 1866, B.guiraonis Steindachner, 1866, Squalius pyrenaicus (GÃ ¼ nther, 1868), Chondrostoma miegii Steindachner, 1866 and Ch. Turiense Elvira, 1987, in rivers Bergantes (Ebro basin), Mijares and Villahermosa (belonging to the basin Mijares) in the province of Castellon and Barranco de La Encantada (Serpis basin, in the province of Alicante). In addition, describes patterns selection of Habitat and behavioral variation in the species studied.

Author: WALSCHBURGER BERGDOLT THOMAS JOHANNES.
Year: 2004.
University: SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGÍA DEPARTAMENTO DE BIOLOGÍA ANIMAL.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA.

Summary: Complex Ecoregional Choco has excelled globally for its high biodiversity, biological distinctiveness and high levels of endemism, the latter considered among the highest in the Neotropics (Haffer, 1969; MÃ ¼ ller, 1973, Brown, 1979; Prance, 1982; Cracraft, 1985; Mast et al, 1999; Faber-Langendoen & Gentry, 1991). Some of his Ecoregions are included in the 200 Ecoregions world's largest (Olson & Dinerstein, 1998) and in its territory have been identified seven areas endemic bird (EBA sense Stattersfield et al, 1998). The situation threatened on its extraordinary richness and endemism has meant the title of Critical Area or "I-Iotspot" The Global Biodiversity (Mittermeier et al, 1998; Myers et al, 2000). However, despite their unique biological significance, there are few efforts to define functional and ecologically representative areas for the conservation of its biodiversity. This study aims to fill this void, bringing a new approach and methodological foundations for a Conservation Plan Complex Ecoregional Choco actions to be implemented in e! The short and medium term in those scenarios are more favorable for its representativeness biological processes where fragmentation are less advanced and where the probability of loss of the remnants of the original forest is less human intervention. Overall, the results of this study are a continuation and updating of the biogeographic research previously conducted by Walschburger et al. (1998, 1999.2000) to the Colombian Pacific slope, but in this case and expand! Study area to the Canal Zone in Panama and Ecuador wet Pacific slope. As a result of a huge effort of collecting 38481 records collection is recognized 1546 species and subspecies of birds, of which 117 are endemic and 107 are threatened. Only for the strip of mountainous forests of the Pacific slope of the Western Cordillera of the Andes recorded 60 endemic species of birds, which means a density of 19.1 endemic species of 10000 km2, and being this! Higher value of endemism per unit area for the entire Neotropics. Through cluster analysis of the distribution of 1546 species and subspecies in different types of vegetation cover and original feature! Study area, identified 32 Arrays Space Species (ESA) representative of all bird species recorded. In a hierarchical context, and from the specific to the general, the 32 ESA are part of 12 Districts Biogeográficos and three Biogeographical Provinces, which are complementary to each other, to the extent that differ part in the composition of species by the presence of arrangements single species or endemic species and species that is restricted to any sector of the study area. Additionally, the 32 ESA is jerarguizaron according to their biological representativeness, which combines variables associated with their biological richness and complexity biogeographical. For Province Biogeographic Chocó-Darién EEE most representative and a priority for conservation are the Canal Zone in Panama and Darien and Goal 8 Buddha Ur 18de abá on the border colombo-panameña; montane forest between High River St. John in Colombia and the high river Esmeraldas in Ecuador for Norandina Biogeographic Province, and the drier forests of southwestern Ecuador belonging to the Tumbes Biogeographic Province. The next step was to evaluate the Ecological Integrity of the ESA and the functionality of its Ecological remnants of the original forest, through indirect indices reflecting the degree of fragmentation of the original vegetation coverage (fragmentation associated with human activities), and therefore the ability of these fragments to maintain ecological processes necessary for the conservation of biodiversity in the long term. The ESA less fragmented and more ecologically functional remnants are placed back into the Daríén and its extension to the north, along the Serrania de San Bias in the Atlantic slope in Panama, almost to the Canal Zone, the mountains of Baudó and Tacarcuna in e! Northwest Colombia Pirre and Sapo and hills on the border with Panama. In this sector e! Fragment remaining bosgue original more functional reaches a length of more than 3 million hectares. It was generally observed that the process of fragmentation and anthropic pressure on remnants of the original vegetation cover is more intense in areas with low rainfall, which has focused the introduction and expansion of productive systems agribusiness as the African palm and livestock. This situation can be seen in e! Sector South, west of western Colombia and Ecuador, e! Area around the Gulf of Urabá and the Pacific side of Panama. In mountainous Andean the process of fragmentation is most pronounced north of the San Juan River to the National Park and Natural Paramillo department of Nariño in Colombia, as well as across the strip of mountainous forests in Ecuador. However, the important thing is that these ESA still some fragments whose size and proximity or connectivity with other fragments allow scenarios considered as representative for the conservation gues could maintain biodiversity hosting. Later, it built a fourth and final index, in this case Favorabilidad, which combines the former leading to a path to preserve and optimal sequencing! Most species complementary e! Fewer ESA and minimum areas for the maintenance of viable populations. It is important to note that although this study worked with goals minimum area to be conserved in different ESA (100000 hectares in remnants of forests tienas casualties and 50000 hectares in remnants of montane forests), defined according to e! Area habitat must take minimum viable populations of species known as focal umbrella or, in most cases exceeded those values to maintain the integrity and connectivity of the fragments remnants of the original forest. Once the optimal sequence conservation identified conservation actions to be implemented first in e! Short-term, needed to supplement the Existing Systems Protected Areas, covering the goals of minimum area and involving more functional fragments belonging to the areas of distribution of all endemic and endangered species. Secondly defined actions to be implemented in the medium term to achieve greater connectivity and functionality of the network of ecological conservation areas and conformed with the shares short term. The Complex Ecoregional Choco remanence of the original forest is even greater! 50% Ymás of 6 million hectares, listed in the study as being essential for conservation in the short term, are ecologically functional fragments that do not suffer significant anthropogenic pressure. However, around 1.5 million hectares of forests original also deemed essential for conservation in the short term, are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressure. The officially protected areas cover about 10% of this Ecoregional Complex and approximately 30% of its surface is Territories Indians and Territories Collectives of Afrodescendientesdes (black communities) legally recognized. Particularly in Colombia and Panama, Systems Protected Areas are inadequate, but the possibility of involving Indigenous Territories and Afro Collectives in conservation plans significantly increases the biological representation and the likelihood of persistence of biodiversity ecoregional. Accordingly, the present study suggests that planning for biodiversity conservation contemplating different options within categories strict conservation defined by IUCN (1996b, 2001). The main conservation actions in the short and medium term and the extension of land covering, suggests 1807381 has in sustainable management of indigenous territories and Territories Collective Afro legally recognized, 569669 ha in figures territorial stability around Protected Areas already established, 764831 ha in new conservation areas and / or protection in functional fragments of low pressure antrópica and 160931 had fragments non-functional, not enough to reach the targets minimum area where implementarían techniques for ecological restoration. Complementing the National Protected Areas System in the network of conservation areas would ensure the conservation of birds and largely from other components of biodiversity. Complex Ecoregional Choco is perhaps one of the few regions of the world where it is still possible to build a network of conservation areas and sustainable management that ensures the persistence over time of its extraordinary biodiversity.

Author: GONZÁLEZ CASANOVAS JORGE.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Author: MALO VALENZUELA AURELIO.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Summary: This thesis seeks to answer several questions different within the context of evolutionary ecology. Explore the importance of several components of reproductive success, such as fertility and the expression of secondary sexual characteristics, and other factors that may affect the biological effectiveness of individuals in natural populations, such as the existence of vital commitments or consanguinity. Specifically, this thesis deals with the following issues. What is the relationship between the various parameters of quality reproductive and what are the determinants of fertility of the males, concluded on the one hand, that there phenotypic integration between the different components of ejaculate, and secondly, that the speed plays spermatic a dominant role. It also explores the importance of the size of the cuerna as an indicator of quality reproductive concluded that this structure signals honestly fertility of the males, thus opening up the possibility of a new role for the secondary sexual characteristics in mammals. This thesis also addresses the question of what elements of the sperm morphology (intermediate piece versus rest of the scourge) determine the speed. Because mitochondria are contained in intermediate piece and given that the mitochondrial inheritance is maternal, the question we face is relevant to whether sex selection can act on the speed sperm. The conclusion is that the length of the scourge is the determining factor of the speed sperm. It also explores the existence of commitments between vital components of the biological effectiveness as immunity and reproduction, concluded that the males of higher quality reproductive present a greater ability to defend itself against pathogens. Finally we analyze the deleterious effects of inbreeding on the immune defense in deer populations of Iberian and the path by which the genetic variability half its effect on inmunocompetencia.

Author: ATIENZA ORTIZ JUAN CARLOS.
Year: 2004.
University: COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Summary: The signing of the Accession Treaty of Spain to the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1985 is impacting heavily on the forestry sector in the country. As a result of the incorporation of the Spanish agriculture in the economic framework of the Community Agricultural Policy (CAP), there was a major agricultural crisis, mainly due to the low competitiveness of this business. At present, the Spanish camp is being modified by the need to conform to the requirements of the European Union (EU). There are two exits to the fields that offer low productivity, neglect or replacement of agricultural practices by forestry uses. Due to the large Minifundismo in Spain, replacing farmland for agricultural crops forest can produce a very special landscape, formed by small plantations of trees or a few species, but in some cases allochthonous. This landscape is very similar to that created by the process of forest fragmentation, and therefore can be studied in the same way. The study of habitat fragmentation as a process leading to the fragmentation of their populations has been developed in recent years and at present is seen as a particularly important issue in the conservation of nature. The effects of habitat fragmentation have been described in different agencies, with the birds the group that more work has been done. However, there are also works on small mammals, bats, invertebrates, zooplankton and plants. Based on various animal groups, various theories have been proposed to explain the patterns rarefacción species produced by habitat fragmentation all el1as based on the general theory of island biogeography and the theory of meta-populations. The main objective of this thesis is developed in assessing the effect of reforestation of agricultural areas in wildlife. The field data were obtained in the so-called Land of Campinas, in the Community of Castilla y Leon. This area is characterized by small size of forest surrounded by agricultural fields. This landscape will serve as an example to see what might happen to wildlife after a few years of implementing the plan for reforestation of agricultural areas. Featured are basically two questions: 1) the effect of the surface, isolation and habitat for pine plantations in species richness of various animal groups (ants, beetles and birds) and 2) the impact that can have the effect on edge animal populations, based on studies conducted in animals associated with the trunks of trees (both insects and birds). In Chapter 1 introduces the conceptual framework of the thesis, and describes the goals of the same, while Chapter 2 is devoted to describe the study area. In chapter 3 we studied the relationship between species richness and the surface of plantacioneses to pine in ants, estafilínidos and birds, as well as the role played isolation and the habitat of the plantations. In addition, we evaluate the minimum area that should have plantations to sustain populations of forest species and studying the extent of the species nesting in the three groups selected zoos. To do so, in the spring of 1994 were recorded species of ants, estafilínidos and birds in 35 pine plantations with different surfaces (mean = 211.9 has median = 3.45 ha; range 0,69-6775 ha), degree isolation and with different tree species. The arthropods were captured by 108 batteries traps fall (pitfall) and the birds were recorded visually. In total we caught 33 species of ants, 56 species estafilínidos and recorded 44 species of birds. All models evaluated for the three groups fauníst 8 icos and 1ff8 for all subgroups analyzed, predicted a positive relationship between wealth and size, except for the negative exponential curve for two groups estafilínidos (all species and species ubiquistas) . As for the adjustment of the various models found that sigmoidales three parameters were adjusted to better data in the field for the three wildlife group studied. However, in all groups analyzed the model significantly higher parsimonioso was a convex curve with two parameters. We evaluated whether the isolation and habitat (presence of oaks in the pine forests) could explain the inconsistencies observed and found that the answer to these variables differed between the three groups zoos. The degree of isolation and habitat explained misalignments found in the relationship especies-área in ants while only habitat explained the gap in estafilínidos and none of the two variables explained the imbalances in birds. Pursuant to the functions of incidence of forest species plantations seems that less than 2 has not guarantee the needs of ants and estafilínidos. Plantations more pequefias not only maintain fewer species, but they also tend to be species ubiquistas. The forest birds, probably because of his 1 increased body size, they need larger areas. In fact, only from the category of plantations between 10 and 100 hectares are occupied on average more than 50% of the plantations by forest species. According to our results, plantations larger ensure the maintenance of a greater number of species in general and forestry in particular. Therefore, in anticipation of a greater number of studies should encourage reforestation of larger plots or encourage the pooling of small owners. If we want to encourage insect species forest plantations require at least 2 ha being desirable plantings of more than 10 hectares. Our results support the recommendations proposed in the studies conducted so far in pine plantations, which advise surfaces exceeding 25 ha for birds, and it is from this size plantations maintained more than 50% of bird species nidificantes . In Chapter 4 describes and analyzes the effectiveness of a method to assess the abundance of arthropods corticícolas, which is subsequently used in Chapters 5 and 6. The method is to apply a thin film of turpentine on the trunk or by spray, and have captured or copies emerging from their shelters irritated by the substance. With this method we found over 90% and captured the 80% of all arthropods present on the surface of the trunk studied. This method presented a very high efficiency for catching some groups such as the beetles (94% of all samples), whereas for other groups, such as spiders, was less effective (only 58% of the specimens were captured while the 89% were detected). In addition, with this method, it captured the 94% of species and 82% of the biomass of these arthropods. The effectiveness in capturing these copies were negatively related to the structural complexity of the crust. By contrast, there was no correlation between the complexity and effectiveness in the capture of biomass. Efficacy was evaluated during the winter in Pinus pinea L., arboreal species with a high structural complexity, it is foreseeable that the best values obtained for other species less complex and more favorable environmental circumstances. The high efficiency obtained with this method makes it suitable for studies autoecológicos of arthropod communities and to assess the availability of trophic birds insectivorous forrajeadoras the logs. In Chapter 5 we evaluate the effect edge in behavior forrajeador of agateador policy (Certhia brachydactyla Brehm, 1820) in 21 stocking pine, 9 small  «1 ha), 9 medium (3 ha) and 3 large (> 100 ha). Our results show that agateadores use less edges of what could be expected by chance. To analyze the reasons for the underutilization of the edges we are four possible scenarios: 1) that at the edges greater competitive pressure, 2) that exists at the edges lower trophic availability, 3) that exist at the edges worst weather and 4) there is increased pressure on the edge of predation that in the interior. To discriminate between these four scenarios measure food availability at the edge and interior of the forests, we evaluated differences in temperature on the surface of the logs and studying the use of space agateador, their predators and competitors. We also had in mind conditioning energy (types of moves made by the birds) and behaviors antipredatorios (size of the camp in which ate, rate monitoring and exposure to predators). As you might expect there were variations in the availability of food, temperature and the risk of predation between the edge and the interior, but do not identify changes in the competitive pressure. Our results show that all assumptions are met, at least in part, but only the risk of predation explained the use made by the agateador in all tamaiíos forest. Our findings suggest, however, a situation in which the pressure in the absence of more deleterious (in our case the risk of predation) birds can respond to other pressures (eg. Weather, or availability of food). The results indicate also that plantations can have a smaller role in the ecosystem sink. In itself, a very small plantation function as a border, so that the birds are risking much more than in the interior of a large plantation, and get a benefit less energy. These results advised to develop policies that support tamafios of large plantations. As in the 5 in chapter 6 also studied the effect edge, but this time with 6 species of carabids corticícolas (Coleoptera: Carabidae): Dromius chobauti, D. Simplicior, D. Agilis, D. Meridionalis, D. Angustus and Philorhizus melanocephalus and a species that colonizes in winter the trunks of trees, Microlestes corticalis. The study was conducted in the same plantation in chapter 5. Our results show that three species of carabids corticfcolas (D. chobauti, D. simplicior and P. melanocephalus) are not present in the small plantations and that of these, two species of Dromius Nor are on the verge of planting medium and big. The remaining species used unless the edges of what could be expected by chance. To analyze the reasons for the underutilization of the edges we are four possible scenarios: 1) that at the edges greater competitive pressure, 2) that exists at the edges lower trophic availability, 3) that exist at the edges worst weather and 4) there is increased pressure on the edge of predation that in the interior. To discriminate between these four scenarios measure food availability at the edge and interior of the forests, we evaluated differences in temperature in the cracks of the logs and studying the use of space-carabids corticícolas, their predators (agateador) and competitors. We also had in mind the forested area in a circumference of 5 km radius of the sampling site. As you might expect there were variations in the availability of food, temperature, competitive pressures and the risk of predation between the edge and the interior. Our results show the different use of edge and interior of the plantations that make the six species of carabids corticícolas can be determined 8 do with l 421 as differences between these two areas in thermal and / or distribution alimento.En change competitive pressure only be adequately explained the distribution of P. Melanocephalus (by competition with M. corticalis, own kind of crops) and the risk of predation did not explain the distribution of any species. The results indicate also that the smaller plantations are not appropriate for the carabids corticícolas, probably because they act as a border. These results advise, as in the previous chapters, to develop policies that support sizes large plantations.

Author: CARRILLO HIDALGO JOSE.
Year: 2004.
University: LA LAGUNA.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE FISICAS Y MATEMATICAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.

Summary: Several factors affect the reproductive biology of the birds as environmental conditions imposed by insularity, altitude, latitude and longitude. We studied the locations of nests, the characteristics and changes in reproductive parameters of the Vulgar Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in a variety of habitats and elevations on the island of Tenerife and compared with those described elsewhere in the Paleártico West. The reproductive cycle is variable and depends on the altitude, noting a delay of about a month in the reproduction of couples who raise over one thousand meters, due probably to climatic conditions imposed by the altitude. The nests are usually in natural rock cavities. The average size of entry, lower than the mainland kingdom closer, it varies between years, between habitats, at different altitudes. The average number of chickens flying not vary between years, between habitats or different altitudes. The only organochlorine compound found in eggs was p, p-DDE, finding that suggests that agriculture is the main source of organochlorine in Tenerife. The mean concentration of p, p-DDE is the highest value found in eggs of birds of prey in Spanish territory, being higher in the southern slope in the northern side of Tenerife. It is likely that the action of p, p-DDE coupled with the TMTD is causing a thinning and break in the shell of the eggs of kestrels. The intensity of the defense of the nest, both male and female, increases during the reproductive cycle, suggesting that the age of the chickens, especially when they have more than fifteen days, and the conspicuous nest, are the factors indicative of increased defense. The risk of predation is the only factor that seems clearly affect the conduct of the defense of the nest in the Kestrel Vulgar in Tenerife. The average date of entry into the Paleártico West is positively affected by latitude, lagging about eight days for every ten degrees north. We suggest that climatic factors in the high altitude would be responsible for the delay observed in some southern area where this relationship is not met. There is a north-south latitudinal variation in the average size of entry, with the Tenerife lower than the populations of Paleártico considered. Our results show differences in the timing and size means of putting one years between rainy and dry in the other semi-desert environment studied, and suggest that the more it rains in the fall prior to the season reproductive else can anticipate the average date of entry and some heavy precipitation in February may encourage an increase in the average size of entry. The reproductive cycle of Kestrel environments semi Tenerife seem to synchronize the development of chicks in the nest with the period of maximum availability of prey in the middle. We suggest that the catch of lizards based diet of the chickens may be related to greater stability in the production of interannual chickens volanderos.

Author: YANES LÓPEZ YURENA.
Year: 2004.
University: LA LAGUNA.
Place of defense: INSTITUTO UNIVERSITARIO DE BIOORGANICA ANTONIO GONZÁLEZ.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE BIOLOGIA.

Summary: The eastern islands of the Canary Islands have a great record of paleontological terrestrial gastropods quaternary exceptionally preserved in tanks wind with alternate phases dry (which form the dunes) and phrases most húmedades (in which the dunes were compactan developed paleosols). This dissertation is a job where paleontological synthetic provides results of the stratigraphy, mineralogy, tafonomía, chronology by amino acid racemisation, taxonomy and palaeoecology, and the paleoenvironmental reconstruction through the study of stable isotopes of concentrations tasterópodos land fossils collected in fifteen deposits of the eastern islands and islets in the archipelago (Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Alegranza, Montaña Clara and Graciosa). The data provided in the thesis reflected paleoenvironmental changes occurred in the eastern islands in the last fifty thousand years of natural history, over eight bioeventos produced by different causes and that occurred regularly in the Upper Pleistocene and Holocene. The results paleoecological including changes in the diversity, in the taxonomic composition and the distribution of species over time, are a benchmark for valuing biodiversity and environmental quality from current analysis of the malocafauna Canary compared with what happened in the past before and after the intervention of man. The usefulness of the snails from this study is that this group is composed of more than two hundred fifty species present, of which more than two hundred are endemic in the archipelago, and also very sensitive to environmental change, which makes them privileged material for the study of environmental changes.

Author: FUENTES SENDÍN CRISTINA.
Year: 2004.
University: ALICANTE.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE.

Summary: Wetlands del Baix Vinalopó hosting a large population of Teal pardilla and Malvasia cabeciblanca and show a large gradient in the habitat characteristics offering a unique opportunity to study the ecology and habitat selection of these two endangered species of waterfowl. Significant variations were found space in the presence and relative abundance of different groups of invertebrates in the benthos yen column: "aguade littoral zone. Larvae quironómidos were the most abundant animal component of benthos and their emer, genciase produces throughout the year. effect on the conductivity of benthic invertebrates and in the water column between and within wetlands suggest that salinity is the main determinant of the structure and abundance of these communities in the wetlands studied, and therefore the availability of prey for waterfowl. Diet of the Teal pardilla differs considerably from that of the ducks in temperate zones, so the seeds of Scirpus litoralis were abundant in the diet at any time, although we found evidence that the most adults consume invertebrates during the breeding season. Rather, the chickens consumed more invertebrates than adults and more plant material green seeds. Malvasia cabeciblanca selected invertebrates and seeds larger than Teal pardilla, yel component animal was most important in their diet. While the cercetas feed primarily on the ten centimeters higher in the water column, malvasías were dependent on invertebrates and seeds in the benthos profundo.Ambas species exhibited significant differences in their patterns of habitat selection. Malvasia shows a strong selection to the major wetlands deeper and dominated R orcarrizo. Teal pardilla avoided wetlands size íntermedio. greater densities polladas of all species of ducks were reached in wetlands larger. Inside reservoirs, the Teal pardilla avoided at all times of the year the central area of open water, like the Malvasia during player and polladas of all species studied. however, beyond this period Malvasia showed a very strong towards selection this area, when grouped in large camps. both polladas as adults Teal pardilla showed preference for areas of mixed vegetation (ciperáceas, salt marsh and reed). Amongst the rest of biotopes, Teal pardilla and especially selected for Malvasia all year channels and dumps deep surrounded by reed. adults Teal pardilla and their polladas were observed closer to the emergent vegetation that malvasías. Malvasia utilíza areas deep higher. polladas of small chickens found closer to the vegetation that polladas with chickens higher tamaño.La emergency chickens Malvasia covers an unusually long period. polladas of malvasías experienced a marked seasonal increase in size as a result of the amalgamation of various polladas, which could to be correlated with an increase in density polladas over time. Rather, the remaining species showed a decline in the size of pollada along the station reproductora.Los water levels in major wetlands should be handled Hondo to avoid sudden changes in the reproductive period, as well as continuing to maintain a balance between deep and shallow areas. order to ensure that small and lush wetlands used by the Teal pardilla is 8 tén disp 36f onibles throughout the year, it is desirable to rotate cycles of flooding in different temporary wetlands. Maintaining water quality and no increase nivéles salinity is also a requirement.

Author: BONAL ANDRÉS RAÚL.
Year: 2004.
University: AUTÓNOMA DE MADRID.
Place of defense: UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE MADRID, FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.
Place of preparation: UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA DE MADRID, FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS BIOLÓGICAS.

Summary: This thesis deals with the interactions between the oak Quercus ilex and the main consumer predispersivo their seeds, the coleopteran Curculio elephas, whose larvae develop within the cotyledons feeding on acorns. First discusses possible strategies saciado by the plant, both the saciado through bumper crops of acorns and through large, which might increase the likelihood of survival of the embryo. Secondly explores the constraints that the size of the acorn can impose on the developing larvae. Finally, it looks at the possible effects of abscission premature acorns attacked on the biological effectiveness of the insect. The results show that both the bumper crops as a size large acorn may serve to satisfy these beetles, however, the same tree can not use both strategies in an optimal way, as there is a compromise between the number and size of the acorns produced. Finally, the small acorn trees were more effective in saciado as the big acorn trees suffered greater superparasitismo in their acorns that compensarion the advantages that a large seed could confer on the survival of the embryo. Sometimes larval development was limited by the size of the acorn, as this limitation was more pronounced the higher the number of larvae by acorn. The abscission of acorns reduced the biological effectiveness of the larvae. On the one hand, the premature stop the growth of acorns limited size reached at the end of larval development, a key variable closely related to the biological effectiveness of the individual. On the other hand, the fall in a period in which the number of acorns in the soil is still low coupled with the fact that the larvae have to complete their development within the acorn after it has fallen largely on increased predation risk of accidental ungulates (deer and wild boar), which eat the acorns while the larvae are inside. In summary, this study shows that both strategies tolerance and resistance can reduce the negative effects of an insect consumer especi ~ ista of acorns. Tolerance mediated by the production of bumper crops does not reduce the effectiveness of biological insect, but by saciado diminishes its negative effects on the biological effectiveness of the plant. Resistance, on the contrary, acts directly against the consumer. In the case of oak and Curculio elephas, high specialization of the insect is what finally makes it vulnerable to abscission early acorns attacked, and the larvae are endoparasites who can not leave when the acorn is running out for food or avoid being depredadas. Therefore, in general terms, although specialization in herbivores confers certain advantages over strategies of resistance of plants, it also increases their vulnerability to others.

Author: SY MAMADOU DEMBA.
Year: 2004.
University: VIGO.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.

Summary: This study was conducted in the vicinity of San Juan del flumen (Huesca, Monegros, Spain), the Iberian Peninsula area badly affected by these bugs, and deals with three goals mediantes use of the asymmetry of fluctuating populations. Mosquitoes studied belong to the family Culicidae and have been used as a system to identify optimal locations for mosquito breeding. There are six species in the study area: Culiseta anmulata, Culiseta longiareolata, Culex pipiens, Aedes caspius, Culex modestus and Anopheles atroparvus. Invernan phase of eggs, larvae or adults. The species found in the fields after the winter come from other neighboring towns. There are two key points of ties that enable the development of the larvae. Wells and the puddles of water during the months of March, April and May and the rice fields from the months of May and June until the summer. The distribution and abundance of larvae found vary in time and space. Changes in water temperature does not explain the stress responsible for the asymmetries fluctuating populations. From the analysis of water and sludge indicates that the alteration of ecosystems responsible for the stress of populations and their asymmetries fluctiantes is the massive use of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides. If the increase in fluctuating asymmetries of the second of four larval stages can be interpreted as the result of the accumulation of persticidas in individuals over the development of the larvae, pupae of the individuals behind the decline in these asymmetries between the the fourth stage and the adult. Key Words: Culicidae, larval stage, stress, fluctuating asymmetry.

Author: THIAM NDIAGA.
Year: 2004.
University: VIGO.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.

Summary: Fish occupy a central place in the coastal ecosystem. They are found in all levels of the networks trafícas and freshwater from the consumer's primary, as mújol, to the large carnivore, as barracuda or trout. These fish have adapted to the special environmental conditions and fluctuating very heterogeneous. Fish develop adaptive strategies of the type of morphological, anatomical or physiological. As poiquilotermos, the result of its adaptation is reflected in perpetual physiological and anatomical adjustments related to variacines thermal environment. In most of the fish that have not been modified for artificially breeding the strategy to adapt to environmental factors, including temperatua, are not well known and therefore can not be used for acuicultra. In addition, rapid growth in agriculture and industry has forced agencies to embody environmental changes resulting from exposure to pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticide residues, destroying hábitas or changes in these, increased salinity , alterations in temperature and changes in sea level. These disturbances can be very stressful environment for the normal development of the agencies and even to cause the extinction of many species. For all these reasons, we chose the pout, Trisopterus, a wild species that plays a very important role in the socio-economic life of the populations, to study its adaptation to temperature and its fluctuating asymmetry and thus facilitate their husbandry in the future in captivity for commercial purposes. The number of copies was captured: in the Ria de Vigo, (July 2003) plus 50 (May 2004), at the coasts of Andalucía, 50 (May 2004) and on the coast of Valencia, 30 (July 2003). The specimens were randomly selected, taking into consideration all sizes, from the fish caught by fishermen, which include medium-sized and young adults. To obtain each of the bones was practiced dissecting samples sumergiéndolos in hot water (for about five minutes). The dissection was performed on the basis topographic and skeletal response to the units with suitable instrumentation. The dissection was performed using a binocular microscope of 20 increases. The bones were preserved in ependorfs. The identification of the bones have been made based on works of authors such as Millar 1973, Birdosong 1975, Red 1976, Galansky Roper 1997, and so on. For the nomenclature of bones, we have taken the Gregory 1933, Birdsong 1975 and Red 1991. The images of the bones were scanned by X-ray machine joined a computer. The digitized images have enabled us to establish where blades are marked by the arrows levels to be measured and position has been established for each type of bone: This corresponds to the layout. The dimensions have been marked directly measures on the computer screen through a rule accuracy of 1mm using solfware Cores Draw. To the extent each elemnto bone, the same position from digitilazación has been respected and the same reference has been fixed at 7.7 cm. For each fish, we made 126 steps to the bones pairs and 11 for odd. This involves 137 steps for fish, a total of 23290 steps by all the fish. For data processing, have been considered the following kind: absolute right and left; averages, average values relative values and categorized. For the treatment processes data from the study of adaptation, we have made: the descriptive statistics for each variable: 8 nálisis c01 factor and discriminant of the securities. Concerniendo study the fluctuating asymmetry, we made them descriptive statistical, establishment of the asymmetries totals for each variable: comparisons of the asymmetries and discriminant analysis. This work has made it possible to see changes morfo-anatómicas of pout, Trisopterus luscus to environmental perturbations. In light of the analysis and discriminant factor, it is noted that the fluctuating asymmetry of this pout depending delas disruption of the parameters of the medium, including temperature, as it is very important individuals in the Mediterranean Valencia AF = 268, 4667) where temperatures are highest. Variations of the fluctuating asymmetry between small and large fish also depend on the temperature in the locality because, in the towns of Galicia where temperatures are lower, small are more stressed that the major (AF small Vigo = 147.5314 ; big Vigo AF = 115.4560:) while those of Andalucia and Valencia where temperatures are fairly respectively and many Vigo highest compartivamente to them grades are more unstable. The study has helped to highlight adaptation strategies anatomical Trisopterusn luscus. In any sea, adaptation to temperature pout, Trisopterus luscus is essentially pieces of respiratory function. However, the difference lies in the growth of these pieces during the development of animal that is inthe marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean as high temperatures, the fish is bound to have its largest respiratory organs and others involved in skull the consuminicón oxygen to cope with the high temperatures and the Mediterranean, the fish is bound to have larger bodies and other respiratory skull also involved in the consumption of oxygen to cope with the high temperatures. By contrast, in places teperaturas low as the Rías Galicia and Andaluciá, the animal has the same patterns of variation that pout of the Mediterranean coasts of Valencia, but does not need to increase much more in proportion, all pieces of respiratory function, particularly those of the camera opercular, to deal with the thermal conditions. Therefore, these fanecas can be great unlike those of lasa Mediterranean coasts. This work can permitri selection of characters suitable for breeding populations in captivity especially in seas where the temperatures are high.

Author: AIRA VIEIRA MANUEL.
Year: 2004.
University: VIGO.
Place of defense: FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS.
Place of preparation: FACULTADE DE CIENCIAS.

Summary: In this Doctoral Thesis explores the effects of earthworms on the biochemical degradation of organic matter. In an initial experiment with reactors vermicompostaje feeding continued I found that the vermicompostaje can be divided into two parts, the first where are earthworms, which is characterized by a significant increase in microbial biomass and activity, and a second part, which are not present earthworms which is characterized by a reduction in microbial biomass and activity and the release of nutrients. A major outcome of this experiment was to discover that the metabolic diversity of microflora is different in the presence and absence of earthworms, which implies a better breakdown of waste. These results are of great importance in terms of optimizing processes vemicompostaje industrial scale, and may establish times permanence of waste in vermireactores depending on the quality desired for vermicompost. The second experiment was to inoculate pig slurry with vermicompost to separate the direct effects of earthworms, due to their presence, the indirect. Here, I found that the inoculum of vermicompost causes an initial increase microbial biomass and activity, which diminuye over time, followed by both a dynamic similar to that found in the presence of earthworms. However, these changes are insufientes to achieve the values observed in the presence of earthworms so the inoculum of vermicompmost is insufficient and the presence of earthworms must perform a particular type of process. In a third experiment studied the changes in the number and activity of bacteria in the intestine delas earthworms. The results show that the content of the intestinal worms epigeas, Eisenia fetida, E.andrei and Eurdrilus eugeniae the number of bacteria does not change with regard to pig slurry but in the earthworm Octodrilus complanatus if there was a strong disminicuón in number of bacteria. However there was no change in the activity of the microorganisms from pig slurry and intestinal contents of the four species of earthworms used. Recent work has focused on a study of the earthworm droppings land Allolobophora caliginosa and changes associated with aging them. In these experiments it was found that in the fresh droppings revealed microbial biomass and activity from the ground parent. Also found were increases and decreases in the concentration delas different forms of nitrogen analyzed, which for continued dynamic reverse aging. The microbial biomass and activity also decreased during aging.