Esta Tese apresenta uma série de ferramentas e bases de dados desenvolvidas para padronizar e otimizar a nomenclatura e pesquisa de genes mitocondriais, cloroplastos e bacterianos, bem como para facilitar a mineração de dados genômicos, taxonômicos e de biodiversidade. Além de desenvolver uma Skill para a aplicação da inteligência artificial no ensino. O SynGenes, apresentado no segundo capítulo, é uma classe Python e formulário web para padronizar nomenclaturas de genes mitocondriais e de cloroplastos, facilitando análises evolutivas. No terceiro capítulo, é introduzido o SyBA, uma ferramenta e base de dados para padronizar nomes de genes de patógenos bacterianos que causam contaminação alimentar. O dataFishing, descrito no quarto capítulo, é uma ferramenta Python e formulário web para mineração de dados genômicos, taxonômicos e de biodiversidade. A ferramenta se destaca por sua rapidez e eficiência em comparação com outros pacotes R, proporcionando um acesso sistematizado a dados de várias bases, como BOLD Systems e GenBank. No quinto capítulo, é detalhado o PUMAS, uma ferramenta web para visualização e análise de ordens gênicas em genomas mitocondriais e de cloroplastos. No sexto capítulo, ForAlexa é apresentada como uma ferramenta online para o desenvolvimento rápido de skills de inteligência artificial no ensino de biologia evolutiva, utilizando a Alexa. As considerações finais, no sétimo capítulo, sintetizam os principais resultados obtidos, ressaltando a importância das ferramentas desenvolvidas para a padronização e eficiência na pesquisa científica.

Demographic history, Microsatellite marker panel, Conservation genetics.

Altamente diverso e presente nas regiões tropicais e subtropicais, os pscitacídeos sofrem com a captura para comercialização ilegal e perda de habitat, com quase 1/4 de suas espécies sujeitas a algum nível de ameaça. Isso inclui o periquito cara suja Pyrrhura griseipectus, avaliado como “Ameaçado” segundo a IUCN. A distribuição desta espécie está restrita a cinco serras no estado do Ceará, com características de matas secas e úmidas, e uma população em ambiente característico de manguezal, no estado da Bahia. A maior população de vida livre ocorre na Serra de Baturité (CE), com cerca de 80% do total reconhecido para espécie, e recentemente, tornou-se a população fonte para ações de repovoamento, através da translocação de indivíduos para áreas de ocorrência históricas da mesma. Diversas ações vêm sendo tomadas em relação a conservação do periquito cara-suja, entretanto nenhum estudo genético-populacional havia sido realizado até o momento. Nós buscamos avaliar a diversidade genética, estrutura e demografia da maior população natural de P. griseipectus (N= 74) e a representatividade da primeira translocação realizada para a espécie, na Serra da Aratanha (CE) (N= 34), através de 17 loci microssatélites. Nós encontramos alta diversidade genética para o periquito cara-suja na Serra de Baturité e ausência de estruturação na área amostrada. O tamanho efetivo populacional encontrado foi compatível com o tamanho populacional estimado no último censo da espécie. Também encontramos altos níveis de diversidade genética na população originada por translocação. Os níveis de endogamia foram baixos para os dois conjuntos amostrados de P. griseipectus, os quais também não apresentaram evidência de declínio populacional. O painel microssatélite se mostrou altamente informativo, sendo possível a sua redução para a combinação de sete loci suficientemente discriminatórios. Nossos resultados quanto o perfil genético da maior população de vida livre do periquito cara-suja e a caracterização do painel microssatélite, contribuem diretamente para nortear ações de manejo e conservação desta espécie.

Os peixes do gênero Centropomus são popularmente conhecidos como robalos, camurins ou snooks. São reconhecidas 13 espécies para o gênero, distribuídas ao longo de águas tropicais dos oceanos Atlântico Ocidental e Pacifico Oriental. Diferentes estudos foram realizados com esses taxa explorando aspectos filogenéticos, filogeográficos e populacionais. Contudo, algumas relações interespecíficas ainda não estão bem definidas e há questões taxonômicas dentro do gênero. Além disso, aspectos da história evolutiva de alguns taxa permanecem pouco conhecidos, como os da espécie recém descrita Centropomus irae, o robalo amazônico, endêmica da região biogeográfica marinha Pluma do Rio Amazonas. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo ampliar o conhecimento acerca da evolução no gênero Centropomus, através de ferramentas moleculares. Essa é a primeira análise evolutiva molecular multilocus com uma ampla distribuição geográfica para o gênero, com o intuito de avaliar as relações evolutivas, estimar os tempos de divergência das espécies e investigar a diversidade de taxa. Foram utilizados dois genes mitocondriais (COI e rRNA16S), um gene nuclear (RIPK4) e três métodos de delimitação de espécies. Além disso, foi realizada a primeira avaliação genético-populacional e filogeográfica de C. irae, utilizando a Região Controle do genoma mitocondrial, comparando com o perfil encontrado para sua espécie-irmã amplamente distribuída, Centropomus undecimalis, inferindo sobre aspectos da evolução desses táxons e do ambiente onde estão inseridos. Os resultados demonstram quatro grupos de espécies dentro do gênero, três desses com espécies trans-istimianas. A ampla cobertura amostral permitiu a identificação de linhagens até então não evidenciadas, ampliando a diversidade de taxa para 15 espécies. Os métodos de delimitação de espécies utilizados revelaram duas espécies no que vem sendo reconhecido com Centropomus parallelus e outras duas em Centropomus viridis. O presente estudo corrobora o reconhecimento de Centropomus mexicanus como táxon válido, restrito ao Golfo do México. A origem e diversificação do gênero ocorreu nos estágios iniciais do Mioceno (~ 20 Ma) e a maioria dos eventos de especiação são recentes, com nove das 15 espécies surgindo na transição do Plioceno para o Pleistoceno (entre 3 e 1.4 Ma). Esses dados sugerem que as mudanças ambientais decorridas da formação do Istmo do Panamá, somadas as oscilações de nível do mar, exercem papel importante na diversificação dos taxa. Além disso, fatores ecológicos, como a preferência por tipos de habitats por parte dos indivíduos adultos, também influenciam na história evolutiva das espécies, com as formas mais ancestrais provavelmente compartilhando uma preferência por ambientes costeiros mais dulcícolas. Os resultados demonstraram que o robalo amazônico C. irae e sua espécie irmã, o robalo comum C. undecimalis, possuem um perfil populacional muito similar, com alta diversidade genética e sem indícios de subestrutura para ambas espécies. As análises de demografia histórica indicam um discreto processo de expansão populacional para o robalo comum (a cerca de 20.000 anos), enquanto o robalo amazônico passou por um evento marcante de expansão populacional há cerca de 30.000 anos, provavelmente associado à sua adaptação local ao ambiente da pluma do rio Amazonas. Os dados sugerem também que eventos importantes da formação da pluma do Amazonas e as flutuações do nível do mar no Pleistoceno influenciaram os processos de especiação e a história evolutiva dessas duas espécies. Além disso, de acordo com os resultados demonstrados, destaca-se a necessidade de uma ampla revisão taxonômica integrativa no gênero Centropomus, para a descrição ou revalidação das espécies de robalo no Atlântico Ocidental e Pacífico Oriental

Lutjanus, Ocyurus, Rhomboplites, Lutjanidae, Mitochondrial DNA

ANÁLISE MORFOFUNCIONAL DOS APÊNDICES BUCAIS E ESTÔMAGO DE LARVAS DO CARANGUEJO “CHAMA-MARÉ” (DECAPODA, OCYPODIDAE)

Pesticide, neurotoxicity, fish, stereology.

O camarão-da-amazônia é uma espécie nativa da América do Sul que apresenta grande potencial para a carcinicultura de água doce, respondendo bem ao processo de domesticação e apresentando um pacote tecnológico desenvolvido. No entanto, um dos aspectos que precisa avançar é o bem estar animal, pois durante o cultivo os animais podem passar por diferentes procedimentos estressantes, tais como: biometria, ablação do pedúnculo ocular, coleta de amostras de tecido e transporte de pós-larvas ou adultos. O estresse pode comprometer a homeostase dos animais, prejudicar o seu desempenho ou a sobrevivência. Contudo, a adição de sustâncias anestésicas pode tranquilizar os animais reduzindo seus custos metabólicos durante o transporte ou em procedimentos mais invasivos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade do uso do banho anestésico com óleo essencial (OE) de Lippia alba, para uso no manejo e transporte de pós-larvas de M. amazonicum. O OE foi diluído em álcool (1:9), por isso foram incluídos dois grupos controle: C1= somente água; C2 = álcool (na mesma quantidade da maior diluição). Os banhos anestésicos foram seguidos de um banho de recuperação em água, sem adição de fármacos. As concentrações testadas para identificar se os animais atingiam a sedação leve (estágio I) e anestesia profunda (estágio II), por curo período (30 minutos) foram: 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000 e 3000 µL. L ^-1 (10 réplicas cada). Para determinar o potencial uso desse fármaco para manejos prolongados, por 12 horas, foram realizados dois testes: na primeira etapa foi definida a dose segura e eficiente com observação individual de cada animal, e na segunda etapa foi simulado um transporte, com 130 pós-larvas L^-1 (por embalagem), mantidos em uma plataforma de agitação. Evidenciamos que a dosagem para induzir a anestesia profunda de curta duração em M. amazonicum foi de 3000 µL. L ^-1_, seguido de rápida recuperação (4,19 ± 3,14 minutos), sem causar morte dos animais. As demais doses induziram apenas a sedação leve, acompanhado da recuperação instantânea. As concentrações que induziram a sedação leve e duradoura foram 15 e 30 µL. L^-1.As pós-larvas imersas nessas doses de banho anestésico ficaram tranquilizadas por 12h e se recuperaram imediatamente após a sua transferência para o banho de recuperação. A sedação foi acompanhada de aumento da sobrevivência e redução da amônia da água, quando comparados a animais dos grupos controle, sem adição do OE de L. alba. As concentrações de 3000 µL. L ^-1 OE de L. alba paralisa os animais, similar ao estágio II de sedação, mas é necessário verificar se suprime dor. As doses de 15 e 30 µL. L^-1 são recomendadas para procedimentos prolongados para mitigar efeitos de estresse. Esse manejo mostrou-se barato, eficiente e seguro.

population ecology, anurans, spatial-temporal distribution, recruitment, feeding diet.

Marine Protected Areas, Local Ecological Knowledge, modeling, environmental governance, conservation strategies, SDGs, participatory methodolog

In the Caeté - Taperaçu Marine Extractive Reserve in the municipality of Bragança-PA, various types of fishing are carried out, all artisanal, using mainly fishing nets, longlines and traps as equipment. Among the traps, the fishing corral stands out as the most significant, being a well- established activity developed by traditional fishermen. To carry out this fishing it is necessary to follow some steps: i) choose an ideal location for implementing the structure; ii) extract wood from the mangrove to form the structure; and iii) have a support ranch (house) for fishing. Mangroves are essential for corral fishing, as wood is removed from the mangrove forests for the construction and maintenance of corrals and ranches. Therefore, the objective of this study is to understand corral fishing, the modus operandi in relation to the uses of wood for corrals and ranches, and evaluate the impacts and implications on the reserve's mangrove forests. The study identified the socioeconomic profile of fishermen, mapped 79 corrals, 27 ranches and 76 wood cutting areas in the mangrove (sample points) and evaluated how much wood is removed for use in this fishery, evaluating biomass and carbon. The cut index indicated that the cut wood is at a medium to high level. Therefore, the study proposes the need to carry out adequate wood management aimed at the reality of corral fishing.

A avaliação da variação genética intraespecífica é crucial para compreender a evolução, conservação e classificação de subespécies com diferentes características fenotípicas e distribuições geográficas. As florestas alagadas na Amazônia possuem processos históricos distintos que podem influenciar a diversificação da biota local. Estudos com aves especializadas nessas florestas revelaram diversos padrões biogeográficos, incluindo subdivisões na distribuição das espécies. Por exemplo, o João-liso (Thripophaga fusciceps, Furnariidae) é uma ave que habita as florestas de várzeas na Amazônia e apresenta três subespécies reconhecidas, cada uma com características distintas na plumagem e vocalização, além de estarem divididas em quatro populações com distribuições geográficas isoladas. Nesse contexto, este estudo tem como objetivo investigar os processos evolutivos que levaram ao isolamento dessas populações e testar a validade desses táxons como unidades evolutivas independentes por meio de uma abordagem filogeográfica. Utilizamos uma representação reduzida do genoma (elementos ultraconservados) para obter um conjunto de SNPs. Nossos resultados de estrutura populacional e reconstrução filogenética corroboraram a presença de linhagens monofiléticas dentro da espécie Thripophaga fusciceps, o que está em concordância com a classificação taxonômica das três subespécies, refletindo uma história evolutiva independente. Esse padrão sugere um baixo fluxo gênico entre as subespécies, possivelmente devido a eventos paleoclimáticos ocorridos durante o Quaternário. Assim, as três subespécies parecem representar unidades evolutivas distintas, o que implica na necessidade de reclassificação taxonômica.

The main objective of this study is to recognize the species diversity of the Gyrodactylidae family, parasites of Cyprinodontiformes fishes from continental and coastal waters of Eastern Amazonia, using integrative taxonomy combining morphological and molecular data. As well as proposing phylogenetic hypotheses for Gyrodactylidae species and understanding the coevolutionary processes responsible for the pattern of diversification of Gyrodactylidae in Cyprinodontiformes fishes. Chapter I. Integrative taxonomy of Ieredactylus (Monogenoidea, Gyrodactylidae) parasite of Anablepsoides urophthalmus (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae) from Eastern Amazonia, Brazil. A new neotropical species of Ieredactylus parasitizing A. urophthalmus from the Northern region of Brazil was recognized and described. The taxonomic status of the new species was confirmed with a combination of morphological and molecular analyses. In addition to presenting a phylogenetic hypothesis for Ieredactylus spp. about other gyrodactylids. In Chapter II. Taxonomy and cophylogeny of Gyrodactylus (Monogenoidea: Gyrodactylidae) parasites of Cyprinodontiformes. A new neotropical species of Gyrodactylus is recognized and described for Anableps microleps from the Northern region of Brazil. The description was made with a combination of morphological and molecular analyses. Here, too, we present a phylogenetic hypothesis to understand the phylogenetic relationship between Gyrodactylus species parasitizing neotropical Cyprinodontiformes fishes. In addition, cophylogentic analyses were carried out to elucidate the events contributing to the diversification of Gyrodactylidae and their Cyprinodontiformes hosts.

The subfamily Stelliferinae has an amphiamerican distribution, on the Atlantic and Pacific coast, it is the third in species diversity in Sciaenidae, with 51 recognized species distributed among the genera Stellifer, Bairdiella, Odontoscion, Elattarchus and Corvula. All the phylogenies that included the group suggested the monophyly of Stelliferinae, but there is no consensus about the phylogenetic relationships among the genera, no molecular phylogeny covered the entire subfamily genus, and the group taxonomy needs to be reviewed. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the species diversity of the subfamily, as well as, to contribute for the comprehension of phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of Stelliferinae. The species diversity was evaluated based on species delimitation analyses (Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery - ABGD, Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescence - GMYC and Bayesian Poisson Tree Process - bPTP) with barcoding region of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 (COI). The analyses of 31 valid species were congruent in delimiting 30 to 32 molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), the majority of which were in agreement with the current taxonomy. The species Stellifer menezesi and Stellifer gomezi were assigned to a MOTU disagreeing to the recent review of the genus. Also, Odontoscion xanthops and Corvula macrops belongs to a unique MOTU and they must be reviewed. On the other hand, cryptic lineages were evidenced in Odontoscion dentex and Bairdiella chrysoura, which was corroborated by the genetic divergence and genealogy of the haplotypes. For the phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses, 9041 base pairs were used, including mitochondrial (rDNA, 16S, COI, CITB) and nuclear DNA (RHOD, EGR1, RAG1, ENC1, SREB2, GLYT, PLAG2, MYH6, ZIC1, TBR1). The results confirmed the monophyly of Stelliferinae, but they suggested Stellifer is not monophyletic because its species group into three clades, being one of them closer to the clade that contains the remain genera of the subfamily (Bairdiella/Elattarchus/Odontoscion/Corvula). In addition, it confirmed the genetic similarity between S. menezesi and S. gomezi, suggesting these are the same species. Odontoscion is not monophyletic because O. xanthops is closer to Corvula macrops than to O. dentex, indicating the genera should be synonymized. Additionally, two cryptic lineages were identified in O. dentex, suggesting that they are distinct species. The results support a strict relationship between Bairdiella and Elattarchus. Based on phylogeographical aspects, it was possible to infer that the origin of Stelliferinae was in early Miocene 16.7 (HPD: 13.13 – 20.42) million years ago (Ma), in the Atlantic. Moreover, there was not an association between the species occurrence area and the formed clades, which indicates that the Isthmus of Panama formation may have influenced the diversification process in the subfamily and that the Pacific taxa dispersed before the total closure of the Isthmus. It is also suggested that the formation of the Amazon plume may have contributed to the diversification in O. dentex that occurred around 3.3 Ma (HPD: 1.48 – 5.06), during the Pliocene. Therefore, the sum of evidences suggests the occurrence of undescribed diversity within Stelliferinae and that there is a need for wide taxonomic review within the subfamily.

Freshwater bivalves use their muscular foot along with their shell to excavate and burrow into the sediment. However, little information exists on how bivalves behave in Amazonian river sediment. This study investigated the burrowing behavior of the freshwater bivalve Castalia ambigua, which is the predominant species in the Caeté River, northeast Pará, and widely distributed in Brazil. Through laboratory experiments, using microcosms that were maintained at a flow rate of ~ 0.2 m/s with an aquarium aerator, I compared the behavior of two different morphotypes of C. ambigua that vary in shell shape between areas of higher and lower hydrodynamics. Morphotype I (predominant in areas of higher hydrodynamics) has an elongated shell shape in the posterior region and is laterally compressed. In contrast, Morphotype II (more abundant in areas of lower hydrodynamics) has a rounded shell in the dorsal-posterior region and is dorsally more arched and laterally inflated. The experiments took place in the laboratory between October and December 2019. I conducted three treatments, Morphotype I, Morphotype II, and Morphotype I+II, with three different densities (4, 8, and 16 bivalves) for each treatment, which were replicated three times (n total = 27). Each set of observations lasted 6 days, with three observations (days 2, 4, and 6) being conducted for each set (81 observations at the end). During the experiments, I calculated the horizontal movements (cm) and measured the exposed shell (mm) at the sediment-water interface of each individual. Morphotype I remained least exposed with 4 mussels. In contrast, this morphotype was more exposed and tended to aggregate in the treatments with 8 and 16 mussels, similar to observations of Morphotype II at all densities. Morphotype II is found primarily in low hydrodynamic energy habitats, suggesting that patches with high densities may stabilize the substrate around the shells of Morphotype I, which is associated with high hydrodynamic energy habitats. I suggest that these patterns may be associated with intrinsic factors of the species, such as reproduction and feeding. Furthermore, studies using other mussel species belonging to the families Hyriidae and Mycetopodidae are important, since the behavior of these mussels in the sediment may provide useful information about their functional roles in river ecosystems.

Trichoptera comprises a large order of strictly aquatic insects that occurs practically throughout the world. In several regions of Brazil, there is already a lot of knowledge about this group. However, taxonomic knowledge of aquatic insects in the state of Pará, especially in the coastal region of northeast Pará, is still incipient. In this context, Leptoceridae, one of the most diverse families in the order, represents high potential for studies in Pará given its wide territorial extension and diversity of habitats. The genus Nectopsyche, for example, has only three recorded species Nectopsyche diminuta, Nectopsyche ortizi, and Nectopsyche punctata; and the genus Oecetis also has only three: Oecetis connata, Oecetis excisa, and Oecetis punctipennis; the monotypic genus Achoropsyche has A. duodecimpunctata registered; and Triplectides is represented by T. egleri. Seeking to understand the diversity and distribution of leptocerid species, samplings were carried out in municipalities in the northeast of Pará. In contribution to taxonomic knowledge about Leptoceridae, especially the Amazon fauna, we propose five new species and four new records of species from this family for the state: four for Nectopsyche and one for Oecetis. The new records correspond to the species Nectopsyche quatuorguttata, previously recorded in Mato Grosso and Maranhão; Nectopsyche acutiloba, previously recorded in Minas Gerais, Nectopsyche adusta, recorded in Minhas Gerais and São Paulo, and Nectopsyche jenseni in Amazonas. With this, our results increase the number of species of the genus Nectopsyche to 11, and four of Oecetis in the state of Pará.

O grupo dos peixes oferecem um modelo para estudos sistemáticos, biogeográficos e evolutivos em virtude de sua grande biodiversidade. A região Neotropical destaca-se por exibir a maior diversidade de peixes, dos quais as ordens Elopiformes e Characiformes se destacam pela sua posição filogenética basal em Teleostei e diversidade de espécies de amplo interesse econômico e científico. Ambas são consideradas linhagens antigas de peixes Teleostei, com espécies crípticas, incertae sedis e grupos com resoluções filogenéticas não elucidadas. Assim sendo, os peixes destas duas ordens oferecem excelentes oportunidades para investigações evolutivas, dadas as particularidades diversas entre seus representantes. Desta forma, buscou-se investigar os mecanismos de evolução cromossômica e da diversidade genética de peixes destas ordens, visando a compreensão da biodiversidade e relações filogenéticas, além de auxiliar na resolução de problemas taxonômicos e sistemáticos. Para tais fins, analisamos duas espécies da ordem Elopiformes (Elops smithi e Megalops atlanticus) e duas espécies da ordem Characiformes (Astyanax bimaculatus e Psalidodon scabripinnis), nas quais foram realizadas análises cromossômicas, por meio de técnicas de bandeamentos e hibridizações in situ fluorescente, com diferentes tipos de sequencias repetitivas. Além disso, foram realizadas análises filogenéticas e de diversidade genética com os genes mitocondriais citocromo oxidase I e citocromo b. É importante destacar que dados de citogenética e moleculares da literatura de outras espécies de Elopiformes e Characiformes também foram utilizados para elaboração de resultados e discussão dos estudos. Os resultados mostram que, embora determinadas características a nível macroestrutural sejam relativamente conservadas entre as espécies filogeneticamente próximas, tais como o número diplóide e morfologia cromossômica, as diferenças cromossômicas a nível micro, assim como as diferenças genéticas, são em muitos casos potenciais marcadores espécies específicas. Além disso, a diversidade genética e cromossômica observada sugere que os eventos evolutivos, tais como fusões, fissões e inversões cromossômicas, que podem ter levado a diferenciação entre espécies, são altamente dinâmicos e que podem ajudar a compreender a evolução dos grupos estudados. Por fim, a integralização de abordagens citogenéticas e moleculares permitiu a identificação das variações entre espécies, permitindo a compreensão de questões relacionadas à biologia evolutiva dos componentes a diferentes níveis taxonômicos.

Bioacoustics; Amazon Toads; Statistical Modeling; Acoustic Experiment; Anthropogenic Noise; Phantom Road; Vocal Activity; Abiotic Variables.

Monogenoidea, Urocleidoides, Taxonomy, Coevolution, Characiformes, Gymnotiformes, Amazon.

A poluição por metais pesados associada à atividade humana é uma grande preocupação em ambientes costeiros, particularmente em áreas de manguezal que têm alta capacidade em adsorver metais pesados. No entanto, pouco se conhece sobre os fatores influentes de poluição por metais pesados em manguezais, especialmente na costa amazônica brasileira. No presente estudo foi analisada a granulometria do solo, concentração dos metais e índices de contaminação foram usados para avaliar o risco ambiental por Cádmio, Cobre, Cromo, Chumbo e Manganês no sedimento dos manguezais nos estados do Pará e Maranhão. Nossos resultados mostraram que a área de estudo está sob contaminação considerável tendo cádmio e manganês como os metais de maior potencial de risco ambiental. Nossos resultados poderão ser considerados como valores naturais (background) para a região da costa amazônica em foco, fornecendo um primeiro cenário sobre a poluição por metais pesados ao longo da maior faixa contínua de manguezais do mundo.

Riparian zones are complex environments of transition between terrestrial and aquatic freshwater ecosystems. They are important for the maintenance of biodiversity and fulfil an important role in regulating riverine hydrological systems. At present, riparian environments are targeted by intensive human activities that modify the natural landscape and lead to socio-environmental impacts.This study aimed at evaluating the human impacts that occur in the riparian environment of the Cereja river, Bragança, Pará, by means of a Rapid Assessment Protocol (RAP). Based on existing Rapid Assessment Protocols from the literature, we added new parameters more suitable for the situation of small rivers in the Amazon and provided a second environmental evaluation method using remote sensing as an alternative low-cost tool. Our results indicated a disturbance gradient along the Cereja river under strong control of the degree of urbanisation increasing in downstream direction, with many houses, removal of riparian vegetation anddomestic sewage disposal, among others. On the other hand, more preserved areas were observed close to the river’s sources, however, with some impacts being recorded, like logging. Both the in loco and the remote Rapid Assessment Protocols proved to be promising tools, capable of detecting different impacts in urban rivers. They can be used as initial step during environmental evaluation by researchers andin environmental management decision making. The different observed impacts require counteractions, even in the less impacted areas, making urgent actionsfor environmental preservation necessary. Therefore, we suggest some means of mitigation that can be adopted initially, like the delimitation of permanent protection areas, the installation of sewage plants and the transfer of the local population in risk areas, to avoid further impacts that will affect the biodiversity and lead to risks for the population.

Phylogeny, Systematics, Neotropical Region, Miniaturization

The present study was carried out in the coastal plain of Bragança (PCB), northeast of the state of Pará, with the objective of evaluating a transition area from saline grassland to mangroves and determining the role of the stratigraphic complexity and topography in controlling the vegetation distribution on the surface. In the study area, cores were obtained using the RKS percussion system (Rammkernsonde) and topographic surveys with a geodetic GPS in field areas (restinga), dwarf mangrove forest and regular mangrove forest area in the PCB. The interstitial water salinity was also assessed. Two cores were obtained with a length of 13.20 m (core M1) and 9.00 m (core M2), including the description of facies and sedimentary environments. Additionally, the evaluation and discussion of an additional core from the scientific literature (RKS3), positioned between the two collected cores, was included. The data demonstrate a dynamic system, in which sedimentary infilling and progradation processes have been active during the Holocene, but discontinuously. The results basically demonstrate the aggradation and progradation of the PCB, including the formation of a sand barrier, backbarrier and shoreface environments, upstream and downstream of the sand barrier. The results show that, although the region is part of the Bragança-Viseu Sedimentary Marginal Basin, considered relatively stable, two subsidence events are evidenced in the Holocene sedimentary package. The first event would have resulted in partial erosion of the barrier, with a reestablishment of a similar sedimentary sequence later on. The second subsidence event also resulted in an erosional surface, but the resumption of the sedimentary sequence took the form of a back-barrier environment in all three cores, marked by muddy sedimentation and mangroves. This difference was attributed, in agreement with previous works, to the emergence of a new sandy barrier downstream. The data also suggest that interstitial salinity was a major factor in the absence or structural underdevelopment of mangroves in the study area. However, subsidence events reduced the role of stratigraphy in topographic and salinity control. The results of the topographic points indicate that the variations of quotas close to the level of spring high tide were determinant for the frequency of flooding and interstitial salinity, thus determining the vegetation patterns. Thus, it was concluded that stratigraphy in the study area has little control over the development of mangrove vegetation, and that microtopography is the determining factor for the explanation of coastal vegetation distribution processes.

mtDNA; Phylogeny; Groupers; Concerted evolution

Selenidera gouldii é uma espécie de tucano que possui ampla distribuição geográfica, sendo quase que exclusivamente amazônica, com ocorrência entre a porção oriental da Amazônia, Mato Grosso e margem sul do rio Amazonas até o Maranhão, dispondo de um registro pontual no Domínio da Caatinga, na Serra do Baturité - Ceará. Devido a essa distribuição disjunta, já foi considerado formada por duas subespécies, entretanto, nenhuma análise molecular abordou a análise comparativa entre as populações. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender a estrutura genética de Selenidera gouldii ao longo de sua área de ocorrência, de modo a conhecer aspectos da história evolutiva desta espécie, utilizando sequências de mtDNA (ND2 e COI) e nDNA (I7BF e I5BF). Os resultados das análises filogenéticas evidenciaram que Selenidera gouldii é grupo irmão de Selenidera maculirostris, descartando a possibilidade da população da Caatinga pertencer à espécie S. maculirostris. Não foi encontrado monofiletismo recíproco entre as populações disjuntas de Selenidera gouldii, porém a população da Caatinga possui claramente a formação de um clado individualizado de acordo com sua distribuição. A elevada diferenciação genética encontrada nos permite indicar que a população isolada na Caatinga se trata de uma Unidade de Manejo e desta forma, demanda manejo genético separado dos exemplares encontrados no Bioma Amazônico.

As pessoas que usam crack (PWUCC) têm inúmeras vulnerabilidades e representam um desafio para os serviços de saúde e assistência social. A exposição a patógenos e situações de risco ocorrem de forma diferente de acordo com cada indivíduo, região e grupo social. Este estudo identificou a presença, os genótipos e os fatores associados à exposição ao vírus da hepatite E (HEV) numa coorte recrutada na
comunidade com 437 PWUCC no norte do Brasil. As informações epidemiológicas foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas em áreas localizadas nos municípios de Augusto Correa, Bragança, Breves, Capanema, Castanhal e Soure, estado brasileiro do Pará. Amostras de sangue e fecais também coletadas e testadas para HEV utilizando ensaio imunoenzimático e reação em cadeia pela polimerase. Os genótipos foram identificados por sequenciamento parcial da ORF1 do HEV seguida de análise filogenética. Regressões logísticas identificaram fatores de risco independentemente associados à exposição ao HEV. No total, 79 (18,1%) PWUCC foram expostos ao HEV: 73 (16,7%) para IgG e 6 para IgG e IgM. O RNA HEV foi detectado nas seis amostras fecais e em duas amostras de sangue das PWUCC com IgM. O genótipo 3 do HEV foi identificado em todas as amostras. Os fatores associados à exposição ao HEV foram: renda mensal baixa, moradia instável (por exemplo, sem-teto), uso de crack ≥ 40 meses e uso compartilhado de equipamentos de crack e cocaína. O presente estudo fornece informações iniciais do status epidemiológico da infecção pelo HEV em PWUCC numa área remota no norte do Brasil. Implicações claras e diversas necessitam urgentemente serem implementadas nas redes de saúde e assistência social com intuito de conter a dispersão do HEV e de outros patógenos e para fornecer melhores condições de saúde à população em geral, em especial às PWUCC.

The present work aimed to study the structure of the phytoplankton community, as well as the influence of environmental variables in spatial and temporal scales on the dynamics of these organisms in two Amazonian estuaries in northeastern Pará. For this purpose, hydrological and biological samplings were performed at three fixed stations in each estuary: C1 (inner station), C2 (intermediate station) and C3 (outer station), located in the estuary of the Caeté-ERC River, and T1 (inner station) , T2 (intermediate station) and T3 (outer station), in the estuary of Taperaçu-ET, during the years 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Environmental variables such as temperature, salinity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ with the help of CTDO's; while the other variables (pH, chlorophyll-a and dissolved nutrients) were determined in the laboratory, through subsequent analyses. The samples used for the qualitative study of phytoplankton were obtained with the aid of a plankton net with a mesh size of 64 μm, while those used for the quantitative study and quantification of chlorophyll-a concentrations were collected through Niskin bottles. Some of the phytoplankton samples were analyzed by both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Significant spatial and temporal variations were observed for salinity only in the ERC, while pH, turbidity and phosphate, silicate and total phosphorus concentrations varied significantly in both estuaries. A total of 154 taxa were identified in the ERC and 165 in the ET, with a predominance of diatoms. The species Cymatosira belgica was considered dominant and very frequent in the estuaries, while the taxa C. lorenziana, Skeletonema costatum, Plagiogrammopsis sp., Psammodictyon panduriforme, Thalassiosira spp., Oedegonium sp., Nostoc sp., Alexandrium sp., Trieres sinensis, T. mobiliensis and T. regia, showed high representation in terms of abundance and frequency and were important among sampling stations, with some species being characteristic of each estuary. The high salinity recorded during the dry period favored the presence of species of the genus Trieres. Spatially, significant variations were observed for chlorophyll-a concentrations only in the ERC and significant temporal variations occurred in both estuaries, with higher values during the rainy season. The average values of phytoplankton density were higher in the ET (Microphytoplankton - max: 1002.2 ± 304.1 x10³ cells.L^-1; Phytoflagellates - max: 541.7 ± 144.6 x10³ cells.L^-1; Total Phytoplankton – max: 1543.8 ± 449.7 x10³ cells L^-1), than those observed in the ERC (Microphytoplankton - max: 632.9 ± 68.7 x10³ cells L^-1; Phytoflagellates – max: 318.7 ± 71.5 x10³ cells L^-1; Total Phytoplankton - max: 852.1 ± 63.4 x10³ cells L^-1). conversely, diversity and evenness did not show a similar pattern between estuaries, with values slightly higher during the rainy season in the ERC and in the dry season in the ET. In both periods, diatoms were the dominant group due to their euryhaline nature, which provides high abundances in estuarine environments. Overall, the results obtained suggest that the composition and phytoplanktonic dynamics of ERC and ET were directly related to rainfall, which directly and/or indirectly influenced the oscillations of environmental variables. Phytoplankton density showed a similar pattern between estuaries, while the occurrence and distribution of organisms showed a predominance of some species in specific seasons of one or another estuary, thus demonstrating that their hydrological and geomorphological characteristics also influenced community dynamics. local phytoplankton during the study period.

We investigated the tree communities of floodplain forests of the Caeté river and of four of its tributaries in the coastal zone of the Brazilian Amazon. We focused on two environments: (1) the floodplain forest of the main Caeté river; (2) floodplain forests of four Caeté tributaries from the same region. For (1), our main interest was in forest structure, community composition and distribution of tree species along inundation gradients under control of the tides and topographic elevation. For (2), we looked at forest structure, community composition and its relationship with flooding status and human impact. We used plots of 15 m width, between the bank of the Caeté and the landward limit of the floodplain forest (1) and crossing the entire floodplain forest (2), respectively. For (1), we established four plots at each of four sites along the lower to medium course of the river (sampling area: 9.77  ha). For (2), we installed two plots along the middle and two plots along the lower course of each tributary (sampling area: 3.045 ha). For both (1) and (2), all trees with breast height diameter (dbh; measured at 1.3 m above the substrate surface) ≥ 5 cm were individually tagged and recorded with dbh and estimated height. Topographic profiles were constructed and flooding status during the wet and dry season was monitored; substrate type and organic matter content were assessed, along with the intensity of human impact. At (1), the influence of the tides decreased in upstream direction, being 0 at the site most distant from the estuary. Both (1) and (2) were seasonally inundated but flooding height varied unpredictably with local rainfall. The span of elevation between deep channels and higher, level areas at (1) varied between 2.8 and 5.3 at the different sites. Profiles at (2) showed a flat topography between non-flooded levées; the substrate was permanently flooded during the wet season and 8–54% of the plots remained wet during the dry season.  While forest structure parameters varied between sites/tributaries, no consistent trend along the observed tidal gradient (1) or between middle and lower course (2) was found. We registered in (1) 144 tree species (with 26 morpho-species), 112 in (2). The percentage of species shared between all sites at (1) was 31% (neighbouring sites: up to 57%). Fabaceae was the most important family (1, 2); the species with highest importance value was Pachira aquatica Aubl. (Malvaceae) for (1), Hydrochorea corymbosa (Ric.) Barneby & J.W. Grimes (Fabaceae) for (2). At each site (1, 2), a specific subset of important species was dominant but rank order and composition varied between sites/tributaries. Half of the species in (1) were represented by < 10 individuals. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling and Constrained Correspondence Analysis confirmed for (1) the influence of the tidal and elevation gradients on species composition; however, neighbouring communities were not clearly separated. Only a small number of species showed an apparent preference for high or low elevations or a certain position along the tidal gradient. Both at (1) and (2) showed negative effects of human activities like timber extraction and management in favour of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açaí), with (2) being more severely affected. The necessity to implement more efficient measures for conservation of the floodplain forests of the Caeté and its tributaries is discussed, considering especially the occurrence of potentially rare species at least in the forests associated with (2).

The genus Isopisthus is constituted of two valid species: Isopisthus parvipinnis, distributed in the western South Atlantic, and Isopisthus altipinnis in the Eastern Pacific. The I. parvipinnis is widely distributed, ranging from Costa Rica to Santa Catarina, in Southern Brazil. For this taxon, a recent species delimitation study suggested the existence of two I. parvipinnis lineages on the North Coast of Brazil, however, were analyzed a small sample size from this restricted area. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships, species delimitation and the phylogeographic pattern of Isopisthus, with emphasis on I. parvipinnis. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference trees were generated from 1370 base pairs of mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (EGR-1 and GNRH3-1) DNA, and all analyzes supported three Isopisthus clades, with high statistical support, one with Isopisthus altipinnis and two with I. parvipinnis from the Atlantic, designated Lineages I and II. Coalescent species delimitation tests (BPP) also retrieved the three clades as potential species. Additionally, species delimitation tests using COI (GMYC and ABGD) recovered three potential species in the genus Isopisthus. However, bPTP delimited five potential species, two in the Pacific and three in the Atlantic, with the third Lineage closely related to Lineage I identified in the phylogenetic analyses. The phylogeographic and population analyzes carried out with the COI (613 bp) and Control Region (804 bp) were congruent in identifying three lineages in the Atlantic and two in the Pacific. The time of divergence suggests that Atlantic and Pacific Isopisthus species originated by vicariance due to the uplift of the Isthmus of Panama about 3 Ma ago. On the other hand, the diversification between the Atlantic Lineages occurred in the Pleistocene period with the Lineage II the first to diverge about 1.8 Ma (Deviation: 1.2 - 2.5 Ma), while the split between Lineages I and III occurred about 1 Ma (Deviation: 0.5 – 1.5 Ma). This diversification may be associated with habitat fragmentation, isolating populations that diverged during the glacial periods. Furthermore, within Lineage I, the subdivision is evident with populations in the North/Northeast areas being distinct from those in the South/Southeast of the distribution, which may have been a consequence of adaptations to different patterns of marine surface temperature in these areas. On the other hand, there was no evidence of population subdivision within Lineages II and III, which may be associated with sampling. Finally, the results lead to suggest that the diversity of Isopisthus species is underestimated and that a taxonomic revision should be carried out in the genus.

The species Atilla spadiceus is a passerine of the Tyrannidae family, currently consisting of 12 subspecies that occur in a wide distribution throughout the Neotropical region, ranging from eastern Mexico to the west of the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Biome and a range of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Its current subspecific classification is based on phenotypic plumage color data. The few molecular studies involving this species were carried out for comparative exploration of birds on a large scale, using only one region of the mitochondrial genome, with no direct focus on the species, causing a gap in the understanding of its evolutionary history. In this sense, some questions arise about Attila spadiceus: i) How many independent lineages exist within the species? ii) Which biogeographic hypotheses best explain its diversification? Thereby, the general objective of the study sought to understand the phylogeographic pattern of Attila spadiceus, through a multiloci analysis, from a wide sample of Central and South America. In the present study, phylogeographic and demographic analyzes were performed. Among the results obtained, two main lineages distributed on opposite sides of the Andes Mountains were recovered, the Transandina and Cisandina Lineage. Regarding the trans-Andean clade, there was no formation of genetic substructure related to the main endemic areas described for Central America, contradicting the genetic patterns observed for birds in the region. Similarly, for the Cisandina Lineage, there was no formation of internal groupings corresponding to the hydrographic basin, which are responsible for a large part of the avian divergences in the Amazon biome. The subspecies that form the cisandino clade, one belonging to the Amazon Forest (Attila spadiceus spadiceus) and the other to the Atlantic Forest (Attila spadiceus uropygiatus), were recovered as a single structure, in which the diagonal of open vegetation did not generate divergence between both. The lineages showed demographic changes in the last 50,000 years, in a period affected by environmental changes caused by climate dynamics, which occurred in the Pleistocene, which may have generated changes in the vegetation of the Neotropical region and favored the dispersion of birds in the region. This event possibly caused Attila spadiceus to disperse, also combining to this process, its ecological capacity to occupy different regions.

The species of the R. marina group are widely distributed in the neotropical region and have a complex taxonomic history, marked by several changes and irresolution. Previous studies show that the complexity of understanding the group's evolutionary history results from past hybridization events, and mainly from the difficulty in delimiting its species through taxonomic methods based on morphology. There is several evidences to support that this group of neotropical toads is constituted by a set of cryptic species, given the difficulty in delimiting well-defined diagnostic morphological patterns. In this way, molecular methods are fundamental to define the species limits and, consequently, the taxonomic status of each one of them. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the phylogenetic relationships for the Amazon clade (R. marina, R. poeppigii, R. diptycha and R. horribilis), to resolve issues raised in previous studies, such as delimitation of RAB2 lineage found in the Amazon region and morphologically identified as R. marina, in addition to detecting possible cryptic lineages along their distributions. The multilocus analysis based on three nuclear (RPL3, RPL9 and c-myc) and one mitochondrial (CytB) markers provide support for identifying the lineage RAB2 as R. poeppigii. In addition, it was possible to verify the existence of a new lineage (called RSP) that seems to be evolutionarily independent from the other species of the clade. Thus, this study provides important information about the distribution and diversity of the group, and allows future investigations to be carried out for the delimitation of the RSP lineage and possible new lineages, in addition to the introgression of mtDNA, which is one of the key issues for understanding of hybridization among those species.

Potamotrygon orbignyi is a species of freshwater stingray that belongs to the Potamotrigonidae family, which is widely distributed in South American rivers, and may occur on beaches with tourist potential, as observed in the fishing beach, Soure, Pa. Characteristics such as the height degree of polychromatism allows this species to use resources from these estuarine locations strongly influenced by seasonal variations. Therefore, to understand the trophic ecology associated with the morphology of this species, the morphological variations among individuals of Potamotrygon orbignyi were examined, as well as their dietary patterns by sex, period and between locations in Ilha do Marajó, Brazilian Amazon. In the collections, carried out between two more marked seasonal periods: dry and rainy, trawls with 20 and 25mm mesh opening between nodes and longlines were used to reduce selectivity and capture specimens of different sizes. In the laboratory, the specimens were identified and measured in order to obtain linear measurements to calculate the ecomorphological attributes, which were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and Spearman's correlation, and for diet analysis, the stomachs were removed and the degree of repletion determined, identification and characterization of food items. After the permutational multivariate analysis, the calculation of the Morisita index and the Amudsen analysis, slight differences were found in the consumption of items as well as in the strategies adopted by the species that, even with a high value of overlap, minimize the competition for resources. Significant differences in the species' diet were found between seasonal periods, suggesting that the species has a generalist habit and high plasticity, being able to feed according to the availability of resources.

Studies that estimate the biomass and production of zooplankton organisms in estuaries are essentials to understand the flow of energy in these ecosystems, which are of extreme ecological, social and economic importance. Then, the aim of the present study was to estimate the effects of the anomalous climatic event El Niño 2015/2016 on the production of Acartia tonsa and Acartia lilljeborgii in a small Amazon estuary. Data of hydrological variables (temperature, salinity, turbidity and chlorophyll-a) and zooplankton organisms were measured in ten field campaigns, during June 2014 to September 2016. In 2015 and 2016 (under a El Niño event), the annual rainfall levels were lower when compared historical data. In turn, salinity also reached significant variations, with the highest values being observed during the El Niño (> 36 during dry season) event. A. lilljeborgii showed a greater tolerance to higher salinity values, when compared to its counterpart. In addition, biomass and production values were affected when salinity was higher than 36. These results demonstrate that extreme events, such as El Niño, can cause serious consequences in small estuaries such as the Taperaçu, thus influencing the populational dynamics of planktonic organisms and consequently their entire trophic chain, making this environment highly vulnerable to these climate changes. 

Pimelodidae represent one of the most diverse groups of catfishes in the Neotropics, with 114 valid species. Several species of the family are economically important as food resources, sport fishing, or aquariophily. Several groups of metazoan parasites are reported from pimelodids, but the monogenoidean platyhelminths are the more representative group. From this diversity, members of dactylogyrids represent the most diverse group, with currently 54 valid species included in 10 genera. However, despite this knowledge, only ~ 27% of pimelodids were searched for monogenoids, suggesting that an even greater diversity may be discovered. Thus, the present research aimed to investigate the diversity of monogenoidean parasites from Pimelodidae occurring in rivers belonging to the Northeastern coast of Pará, with the description of new species and/or species redescription, thus increasing the knowledge of the diversity of monogenoidean parasites for the Eastern Amazon. Eight new species of dactylogyrids are proposed herein: Dactylogyridae gen. 1 sp., Vancleaveus sp. n. from the gills of Pseudoplatystoma cf. fasciatum; Dactylogyridae gen. 2 sp. from the gills of Hypophthalmus cf. marginatus; Dactylogyridae gen. 3 sp. from the gills of Pseudoplatystoma cf. tigrinum; Ameloblastella sp. n., and Demidospermus sp. n. C from the gills of Hypophthalmus sp.; Demidospermus sp. n. A, and Demidospermus sp. n. B from the gills of Pimelodus ornatus. Also, the occurrence of Pavanelliella pavanellii Kritsky & Boeger, 1998, was reported for the first time in rivers on the northeastern coast of Pará.

Avifauna is the target of many phylogeographic studies with the objective to understand the evolutionary processes involved in the diversification scenario, especially in the Amazon biome. Polytypical species with wide distribution are good models for understanding these processes. The genus Pipra is a group of manakins belonging to the family Pipridae, presenting three species with subspecific divisions, wide distribution and its inhabitants live in seasonally flooded environments (floodplain forest) and gallery forests. Currently, its classification is based on its phenotypic characters and distribution, being composed of the species: Pipra fasciicauda, Pipra aureola and Pipra filicauda. The ancestral relationships of this complex have already been inferred based on morphological, molecular and behavioral characters, supporting its monofiletism. However, intraspecific phylogenetic information based on molecular data exists only for Pipra fasciicauda. Based on this principle, the objectives of this tese were: to investigate the occurrence of hybridization between P. fasciicauda and P. aureola; establish as intraspecific relationships of P. aureola; infer the relations of ancestry existing between all the Lineages found using the three species in question. Along with this approach, we seek to understand the phylogeographic patterns that acted in the diversification process of these Amazonian birds, which allowed us to evaluate the role played by each one of these factors on the evolutionary and historical mechanisms. For that, we used integrated plumage data and multiloci molecules of 119 specimens, contemplating10 of the 11 taxa described in this genus. Our data confirmed the hybridization between P. fasciicauda and P. aureola, with the description of a new hybridization area; we report the existence of three Lineages in P. aureola, namely: P. aureola aureola, P. aureola flavicollis and P. aureola borbae, with the taxon P. a. aurantiicollis sharing phenotypic and genetic traits with P. aureola aureola and P. aureola flavicollis, being considered a group of hybrid origin; The phylogeny of the genus Pipra revealed the existence of seven clades, evidencing the existence of three Lineages in P. fasciicauda, three Lineages in P. aureola and only one in P. filicauda, this being the most external and well-established clade. The monophilia was registered only for the species P. filicauda, the two other species remaining with paraphilia, based on the relationships observed between their Lineages. The recent divergence between P. aureola and P. fasciicauda and similar behavioral, evolutionary and vocal aspects are important factors for interspecific crossing, as well as the existence of sympatric areas, because they act as a preponderant agent for contact and, consequently, favoring the crossing between them. The diversification pointed to P. fasciicauda and P. filicauda, suggests that rivers are direct proponents in this process, while for P. aureola, the targeting is that the climatic oscillations that occurred in the Pliocene-Pleistocene period, coinciding with the diversification of these taxa, played a crucial role in this pattern, considering that the dynamism in the geomorphological profile promoted the creation of different available environments and that consequently coordinated the distribution of the taxa. Another important aspect in the relationships within this genus was found between P. aureola borbae and the Lineage that includes P. f. purusiana, P. f. saturata and P. f. fasciicauda considered sister taxa. They maintain sympathy in the central region of the Madeira River, and considering the scenario, we hypothesize that despite the differences in plumage characters, these taxa that show recent divergence, intercrossed, allowing for the existence of introgression. Therefore, in this context of diversification, we suggest that the genus Pipra has taxonomic changes, based on the Lineages found in this study, increasing the number of valid species and resolving issues of the paraphilia.

Mussels provide important ecological functions in freshwater ecosystems, which are associated with their filtration and biodeposition behavior, and may influence the river food web and habitat quality. Mussels live partially or completely buried in the sediment and variation in river hydrodynamics may influence their distribution and patterns in shell shape. In the Amazon, which suffers extensive human modification, there is little or no information about the distribution, suitable habitats, and ecological functions performed by freshwater mussels. This is of concern because freshwater mussel assemblages are declining worldwide and landscape modifications in the Amazon, mainly for pasture and urbanization, may accelerate these declines. This is the first study in the Amazon to describe the association of mussels with the river food web, using benthic macroinvertebrates, and with habitat quality. It is also the first to use complex hydraulic variables associated with the riverbed to investigate suitable habitats, distribution and trends in shell morphology of Amazonian freshwater mussels, and to use landscape drivers to describe declines in mussel density. The results highlighted that mussels are strongly associated with increases in the abundance, and taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrates, especially for trichopterans that are shredders and predators, differing from patterns found in temperate rivers. These patterns are strongly associated with high mussel density. The effect of these associations is linked with mussel filtration which positively influences water quality, and biodeposition of organic matter in the sediment, which is an important food source for benthic macroinvertebrates. The results also showed that Castalia ambigua and Anodontites elongatus occur in areas with lower substrate heterogeneity and a more stable riverbed, in periods of high and low flows. However, declines in mussel density were observed in areas with higher landscape modifications, mainly at the riparian buffer scale, associated with urbanization. River hydrodynamics is also associated with variation in Castalia ambigua shell shape, which differed greatly between areas of low and high hydraulic energy. In summary, this study highlighted the importance of Amazonian freshwater mussels in maintaining a diverse macroinvertebrate assemblage and habitat quality, especially at the riparian buffer scale. These findings are valuable because they provide support for the explicit inclusion of Amazonian freshwater mussels as a priority in aquatic conservation plans in the region.

Macrobrachium amazonicum is present along South America, from the continental to coastal regions, in different types of waterly environments. Its consumption is highly perceptible due to the abundance and quality protein. It is a benthic species with a relatively short life cycle, whose use is also favourable as a bioindicator. Thus, it is important to determine the health of this kind of shrimp in relation to concentration of pollutants in its tissues. It is necessary to standardize indicators so they can be used to detect early responses to chemicals in its tissues in sublethal doses. In this study, we conducted a search for enzymes attributed to the defense mechanisms against oxidative stress in response to xenobiotics, in the functional genome of 12 M. amazonicum cDNA libraries. We characterized the enzymes: catalase (Ma-CAT), superoxide dismutase (Ma-SOD), glutation peroxidase (Ma-GPX) and glutation s-transferase (Ma-GST). The alignments of the coding sequences (CD) were paired with the sequences of other species of crustaceans, showing high similarity (> 60%) for the four enzymes analysed. We identified the active sites and simulated them to the spatial conformations of the proteins. Ma-CAT displayed the entire coding region, corresponding to 535 amino acids (aa), molecular mass of 60.6 kDa and tertiary structure of type 20α and 12β. Ma-SOD exhibited the entire coding region, with 286 aa, molecular mass of 34.7 kDa and tertiary structure of type 10α and 3β. Ma-GTS showed the entire coding region, with 262 aa, 29.2 kDa molecular mass and tertiary structure of type 11α and 4β. Ma-GPX presented the entire coding region, with 186 aa, molecular mass of 21.2 kDa and tertiary structure of type 8α and 9β. Subsequently, primers were designed and synthesized to evaluate expression of these enzymes in juvenile Amazonian shrimp, which was exposed to sublethal doses of glyphosate (Roundup). The LC50 of 96h was 86.25 mg / L and to validate the markers the prawns were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Roundup. 

The pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) is one of the most emblematic fish species in the Amazon region, which has historically been threatened by overfishing, with drastic population reductions, mainly close to large urban centers. Several studies have analyzed the population structure of the species, with emphasis on the Amazonas and Araguaia-Tocantins basins, however very little is known about the stocks that inhabit the region of confluence of these water systems. Aiming at the conservation of the species and the maintenance of fishing activity by amazonian communities, managed fishing began to be developed in 1999. The Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve was a pioneer in this activity, with positive results in the recovery of inventories and in the appreciation of traditional fishing. Despite this, little is known about the impact of the annual withdrawal of about twelve thousand fish from the reserve on the genetic diversity of the stock. Thus, we aim to expand the knowledge about the population structure of pirarucus that inhabit the lower Amazonas and lower Tocantins, as well as to measure the effect of a decade of managed fishing on genetic variability and the structure of the pirarucu population in the Mamirauá Reserve. Eleven microsatellite loci and sequences of the mtDNA control region of 114 pirarucus from six localities in the eastern Amazon region were used. The analyses indicated significant differentiation, suggesting the presence of three populations identified as: Lower Amazon-Marajó, Lago Piratuba and Lowe Tocantins, hat do not present significant gene flow between them, differentiation Fst ranging from moderate to high, with evidence of recent population bottlenecks and higher diversity only in the Lower Amazon-Marajó population. To assess the impact of a decade of managed fishing, 120 pirarucus from Jarauá and Maraã were genotyped, Mamirauá Reserve, from two fishing season with a 10 year time interval (2004 and 2014). The analyses of eleven microsatellite loci indicated that there was no loss of diversity or alteration of the population structure. This result suggests that the participatory management of pirarucu, where a maximum of 30% of the total adult is captured, is being able to maintain levels of genetic diversity without significant changes. The conservation strategies must be designed considering the population structure observed and the patterns of diversity throughout the eastern Amazon. In addition, genetic data reinforce that the strategies adopted through participatory management in the RDS Mamirauá allowed the recovery of pirarucus populations.

The species Antilophia bokermanni Coelho & Silva, 1998, popularly known as Soldadinho-do-araripe, is a bird belonging to the family Pipridae, which comprises a group of birds with wide neotropical distribution, known as tangarás, dancers or manakins. This bird was described to the scientific community in the late '90s and is currently considered the most endangered member of its family, classified as “Critically endangered”, according to the IUCN criteria. This thesis involves genetic aspects of this species and is divided into four chapters: the first one deals with a general introduction focusing on molecular research already carried out with Antilophia species; the second chapter makes an individual identification and family pedigree for the species; in the third chapter, an efficiency comparison between microsatellites and SNPs was performed in the analysis of genetic diversity parameters; in the fourth one, bioprospecting and polymorphism evaluation of microsatellites rescued from UCEs was carried out. The principal results were: the twelve proposed microsatellite loci generated an efficient technological kit for the genotyping of the 82 samples of A. bokermanni, in addition to the fact that their sampling number can be expanded to exclusive genotypes; it was possible to determine and characterize each individual particularly, as well as perform a kinship analysis within a family group, even determining possible parents/children and siblings; microsatellite markers are accurate and demonstrate exactitude when diagnosing gene diversity within the genus Antilophia; in the bioprospecting of primers specifically synthesized for the genus Antilophia coming from UCEs, all were monomorphic. Studies lead us to consider that, even with the advent of the sequencing methodologies new generation, microsatellites are still effective in the studies of environmental biology and genetical population of A. bokermanni and their use will both assist in the preservation of the Soldadinho-do-araripe, as well as have direct effects on the preservation of the Araripe National Forest biodiversity. 

Parvordem Platyrrhini is present exclusively in the American continent, the taxa are widely distributed, from Mexico to Argentina, adapted to different biomes, however the greatest concentration is in the Amazon rainforest, a fact that generates many hypotheses that seek to explain the great diversity of primates and also from other biological groups present in the Amazon biome. Historical biogeography is a great tool for this questioning, helping to elucidate the influence of the environment in the diversification of biota. In this work, we did the phylogenetic and biogeographic reconstruction from molecular data for eleven genera belonging to the monkeys of the new world. In the first chapter, we present a general introduction about the tool we used for the study, the main hypotheses discussed in the literature for the Amazon biome and a brief taxonomic review, geographical distributions, phylogenetic hypotheses and inference of divergence time between species, proposed in literature for each genre. In the second chapter, we investigate the phylogenetic relationships for genera of the Platyrrhini pavilion that inhabit the Amazon, together with the divergence time and the reconstruction of the biogeographic history to test the influence of the formation of the Amazon basins during the Plio-Pleistocene in the diversification of the Platyrrinos. We analyzed 65 taxa belonging to 11 genera, which resulted in 24 taxa cladogenesis on opposite banks of the rivers (Solimões, Amazonas, Negro and Madeira), in 75% of the cases, the hypothesis of diversification due to the emergence of large rivers in the last three million years. years have been endured. However, we also observed cladogenetic events between species or subspecies that have an even more recent date, demonstrating probable dispersions across rivers. 

A significant portion of the annual carbon fixation of forests ends up as litter deposited on the ground. The litter decomposition process is a vital function for ecosystem maintenance because it makes nutrients freshly available in the environment. Climatic and environmental factors, like hydrology, can interfere with decomposition rates, affecting the nutrient cycling and ecosystem productivity. Most of the available literature has shown that leaf litter decomposition rates are faster in aquatic than in neighbouring terrestrial environments. However, other experiments conducted in the Amazon had opposite results, finding lower leaf degradation rates in aquatic environments. In this context, the present study aims at evaluating the influence of periodic inundation provoked by tidal and seasonal inundation on leaf decomposition rates in a forest under the regime of polymodal flood pulses in the coastal Amazon region. The study was conducted in a stretch of floodplain forest along the south-east bank of the Caeté river, Bragança-PA, Brazil. Leaf material of three different Fabaceae species (Zygia cataractae, Macrolobium angustifolium e Vatairea guianensis) was separately exposed in litterbags with 2 × 2 mm mesh size. Batches of litterbags were installed on the ground in four blocks including sampling points featuring different inundation conditions. Two experiments were done, one starting in the dry season and the other, in the wet season. Decomposition rates were calculated based on 18 subsequent collection dates. V. guianensis leaves degraded fastest, followed by M. angustifolium and Z. cataractae, respectively. The wet season experiment, with higher inundation levels in the floodplain forest, yielded higher decomposition rates. For both experiments, all species showed faster decline in mass in lower than in higher elevation treatments, indicating that longer inundation can favour the decomposition process, in contrast with the studies conducted in floodplain forests of the central and western Amazon

This study was developed in the tidal channel Furo Grande (FG) in a mangrove area located 200 km from the mouth of the Amazon River, an important connecting environment between the two important estuaries (Caeté and Taperaçu) to the Pará State. The main objective of this study was to understanding the origin of organic matter and the transport of sediments in the tidal channel FG and adjacent mangrove swamps, based on hydrodynamics, sedimentology and isotopic and pigmented characterization of suspended particulate material and deposition sediments. The collections were carried out in the rainy and dry periods, in Spring tides. The tidal channel demonstrated to be an important connection environment, with high hydrodynamic energy, acting as a carrier of OM between the mangrove and ocean, which receives a strong influence of seasonality, promoting the highest concentrations of suspended particulate matter (MPS) and lower oxygen with less saline water in the rainy season. The seasonal variation also influenced the granulometric distribution of the mangrove sediment, and presented more sandy sediment and with lower concentration of OM in the rainy season. The analysis of the elemental (C:N), isotopic (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) compositions demonstrate entrance mixed from MO sources (marine and terrestrial). The greatest contribution of the MO present in the sediment is produced by the mangrove vegetation itself, and for the MPS the terrestrial sources have greater influence. The pigment concentration was influenced by the direct action of rain on the mangrove through runoff in the mangrove soil, which transported large amounts of chlorophyll b to the FG channel. The higher concentration of MPS and the high degree of degradation of OM in low and low tides reveal the important contribution of mangrove sediment to the channel.

O manguezal é reconhecido como um dos ecossistemas mais produtivos e de grande relevância por fornecer uma ampla variedade de bens e serviços às comunidades estuarino-costeiras em todo o mundo. Alguns estudos já relataram o conhecimento ecológico local das comunidades tradicionais sobre o uso dos produtos da madeira dos manguezais, mas nenhum estudo confrontou esse conhecimento com dados científicos atuais sobre as propriedades tecnológicas da madeira, validando a adequação desses usos tradicionais. A grande maioria dos respondentes, cerca de 98%, afirma que a madeira das árvores é usada para usos domésticos (familiar) e cujas finalidades e aplicações foram ensinadas pelos mais idosos da comunidade (57%). As espécies de mangue mais exploradas na costa amazônica brasileira são Rhizophora mangle, usada principalmente para produção de energia (“carvão”) cuja madeira possui alta densidade (0,83 g m-3), Avicennia germinans por suas propriedades repelentes (“lenha ”) e Laguncularia racemosa para construção civil (“ barraco”) devido ao seu fator anisotrópico normal (1,55), apetrechos de pesca (“curral”) e criação animal (“cercado”). Nossos achados mostram que o uso das espécies de mangue está de acordo com o conhecimento técnico-científico vigente, exceto o uso de R. mangle para construção civil, cujo alto fator anisotrópico (2,85) torna esta espécie inadequada para esse fim. A falta de informações científicas sobre a qualidade da madeira de L. racemosa no contato contínuo com a água impossibilitou avaliar sua adequação a esse uso. Conhecer melhor a adequação do uso do recurso madeireiro aos dados científicos é essencial para auxiliar na implementação das ações de manejo em favor das espécies arbóreas utilizadas. Isso promove um melhor planejamento e garante um uso adequado para cada espécie de mangue, o que é essencial para os manguezais neotropicais, cujos usos múltiplos deixam a floresta sob pressão seletiva de exploração. O entendimento da adequação do uso da madeira de mangue, de acordo com suas propriedades tecnológicas, também é de fundamental importância para orientar os atores envolvidos no processo de implementação de políticas locais, o que, consequentemente, promove um uso mais sustentável, garantindo a subsistência dos usuários e, ao mesmo tempo, a manutenção da biodiversidade e as funções dos manguezais.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of physical and chemical variables of water on the composition, abundance and phytoplankton biomass in the Emboraí Velho estuary. The samplings were performed during spring tides through 25-hour campaigns developed in 2 fixed stations in the months of January and April (rainy season), August and November (dry season) of 2018. Temperature and salinity was obtained in situ with the aid of CTDO's, while for the determination of pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, dissolved nutrients and chlorophyll-a concentration, samples were collected on the water subsurface, with the aid of a Niskin bottle. For the qualitative study of phytoplankton, samples were collected through horizontal hauls carried out in the subsurface of the water column, with the aid of plankton conical nets (64 µm). For the quantitative study, subsurface samples were collected through Niskin bottles, which were later analyzed in the laboratory. Seasonal variations were observed for some hydrological parameters, with turbidity values (128.3 ± 116.2 NTU) significantly higher in the rainy season, while temperature (28.7 ± 0.3 ° C), salinity (25.6 ± 6.3), pH (7.7 ± 0.5) and dissolved oxygen concentrations (5.6 ± 0.9 mg.L^-1) presented higher values during the dry period. The concentrations of nitrite and nitrate showed higher values in the rainy season (0.34 ± 0.14 µmol.L^-1 and 9.85 ± 2.45 µmol.L^-1, respectively), while the values of inorganic phosphate (0.18 ± 0.05 µmol.L^-1) and silicate (36.6 ± 10.6 µmol.L^-1) were higher during the dry period. A total of 189 taxa were identified, which were distributed among Bacillariophyta, Miozoa, Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta and Euglenophyta, especially diatoms (89.4%). The species with the greatest relative abundance was Trieres chinensis (14.0%, not very abundant) and the most frequent species was Skeletonema tropicum Cleve (95.0%, very frequent). The abundances showed the highest values during the dry period, with microphytoplankton being the phytoplankton fraction quantitatively dominant in this period. The concentrations of chlorophyll-a (13.9 ± 9.28 mg.m^-3) were higher during the rainy season. The cluster analysis resulted in the formation of two seasonally defined groups. Salinity, turbidity and nitrate were the main factors controlling the local phytoplankton abundance and biomass. The results obtained suggest that the dynamics of the phytoplankton community in the Emboraí Velho estuary was strongly influenced by the region's rainfall, as it directly influences the hydrodynamics and local phytoplankton attributes.

Beaches are the most attractive environment within coastal areas that, in order to maintain their economic, social and environmental equilibrium, require adequate management processes focusing on sustainability. The beaches of the Amazon Coastal, especially those located on the coast of the Brazilian State of Para, are highly touristy environments and receive numerous visitors annually during the main recreational periods (school vacation and major public holidays). However, due to inefficiency of coastal management plans throughout from this stretch of coast these beaches are subjected to various pressures and conflicts that affect the natural environment, local community and local tourism. In this scenario, the Conservation Units present in the Brazilian State of Pará Coastal act as important instruments to promote sustainability and environmental preservation. This study evaluated the participation of the Conservation Units in the sustainable management processes of coastal tourism within three beaches of Pará state (Ajuruteua, Pesqueiro and Princesa) considering management conditions, water quality, urban planning, beach safety, among others. Ajuruteua Beach is considered an Exclusion Polygon within the Caeté-Taperacú Marine Resex, while the beaches of Pesqueiro and Princesa are located, respectively, within Resex and Environmental Protection Area. However, conflicts and socio-environmental pressures have been identified within the study area, and these are originated mainly by natural factors (climate, hydrology and hydrodynamics), anthropic (irregular occupation, degradation of natural environments, overcrowding, etc.) and public management (planning, sanitation, treatment sewage, etc.). In this investigation, it was demonstrated that the Conservation Units are important tools for the sustainable development of both, traditional populations and tourism activities, because the environmental quality of protected beaches is enhanced through participatory management actions between the environmental agencies (ICMBio) and the local community. However, for the management processes on these beaches to be effective and efficient, it is necessary the creation of the beach management plans, as well as public investments in sewage treatment, cleaning, beach safety services (lifeguard, signaling, information and zoning), water quality monitoring, urban planning, among others, aiming at the sustainable development of local community and local tourism sector.

Actitis macularius, known as the “spotted sandpiper”, is a migratory bird of the Scolopacidae family, native to the northern hemisphere. During migration, the animals rely on navigation mechanisms, such as natural compasses, maps and visual landmarks, until they reach the southern hemisphere, where they find their stopover sites necessary to replenish their energy reserves used during the flight. With the objective of evaluating adult neurogenesis in hippocampal formation of the species during the wintering period we captured 15 individuals in the island of Otelina, tropical coastal zone of northern Brazil distributed in three sample groups, newly arrived animals; migratory rest and about to migrate back to the northern hemisphere. Sections were immunolabeled by Doublecortin (newborn neurons), positive cells were quantified and volume was estimated in hippocampal formation through stereological analysis. No significant differences were found for volume values, hippocampal formation between cerebral hemispheres or between sample windows. There was a significant difference between the number of new hippocampal formation neurons between the postmigration period and the migratory rest in both cerebral hemispheres. There was significant difference in neuron density only in the left hippocampal formation. We observed a significant difference between the average weight of individuals during the winter. In general, the wintering stimulates neurogenesis in the hippocampal formation of the painted torch representing a preparation for spring migration.

The Lutjanidae family is represented by numerous and diverse species of marine fish that inhabit water from tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are found inhabiting coral reefs and associated in a wide depth range from 20m to 500m. They are mostly active predators and feed mainly on other fish, mollusks and crustaceans. Currently, 135 species and 21 genera are recognized, distributed in five subfamilies, of which Lutjaninae stands out for having the largest number of species, among them, of high economic value. Of the 12 species occurring along the Brazilian coast, five are overexploited and are identified as threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Studies of molecular diversity and genetic structure have provided input for policy development for endangered species, and have revealed worrisome data for marine fish species, including lutjanids. In the present work, five species of Lutjanidae of the western Atlantic coast were evaluated: Lutjanus analis, L. purpureus, L. synagris, L. vivanus and Ocyurus chrysurus, from molecular data. The results reinforced the panmixia pattern for the lutjanids along the Brazilian coast, and for the L. analis species a single genetic stock was observed from the southern portion to the northern western Atlantic portion. With the exception of the species L. synagris, which presented low values of genetic diversity, the others presented moderate to high values, and for all of them significant deviations of neutrality were observed, associated with the population expansion process that began during the pleistocene. The mitochondrial control region has proved to be a marker with interspecific potential and for population structure analysis.

Fish have a variety of pathogens that often do not present clinical signs. Thus, in recentdecades it has considerably increased the importance of studies related to microparasites andother pathogens of aquatic organisms, especially in the hosts with potential forcommercialization and the culture, due to the significant increase in these activities in Braziland worldwide. This study describes the morphological and molecular characteristics ofmicroparasites in fish marketed Mugil rubrioculus, Macrodon ancylodon, Bagre marinus,Micropogonias furnieri, Scomberomorus brasiliensis and Trichiurus lepturus, of the regionBragantina, Pará, Brazil. The fish were acquired in the fair-free of Bragança in monthlycollections. The specimens were necropsied and examined in stereomicroscope and lightmicroscope. Fragments of parasitized organs and/or microparasite cysts were collected andprocessed for the techniques of morphological analysis (light microscopy) and molecularbiology (phylogeny). The results are arranged in three manuscripts, one already publishedandtwo submitted. Individuals of all investigated fish species presented microparasites belongingto the phylum Cnidaria, being a new species of microparasite of the branchial filaments(Myxobolus bragantinus n. sp.) in M. rubrioculus, a infected skeletal musculature (Kudoayasai n. sp.) in M. ancylodon and by Kudoa spp. in skeletal muscle of M. furnieri, B. marinus,S. brasiliensis and T. lepturus. Studies on microparasites in fish from the Amazon region areindispensable for the knowledge of the occurrences, morphological characterization,description of new species, pathogenic potential in hosts and casual risk for consumers. Theresults of these investigations may contribute to future management plans that involve thequality of products marketed in free-fairs in the northern region of Brazil.

Hybridization is a phenomenon defined as a crossing between individuals from different populations that follow distinct adaptive norms. Selective pressure may affect viability of otherwise fertile hybrids. This is specially remarkable for Hybrid Zones (HZs), which are regions of genetic crosses between parapatric species where natural hybrids occur. Heliconius HZs receive special attention due to the strong phenotypic convergence in this group, where species form aposematic mimetic rings to warn off predators. One of the better studied Heliconius HZs is the Panamanian HZ between H. erato hydara and H. e. demophoon. Due to the evolutionary importance of studying hybrids and to the role that colour patches play in Heliconius, we decided to investigate variation of the forewing red patch across this HZ. For that, we collected data from 175 individuals that were captured in this zone and used modern colour analysis techniques using RGB values and also more traditional geometric morphometrics combined with wing venation. We ran Principal Component Analyses for each method, and both revealed no clear distinction between groups. There was a subtle difference between results for each method, with traditional morphometrics presenting a higher sensitivity. Besides, there was a discreet segregation of groups according to elevation. Our work reinforces the need for more integrative approaches for identification of distinct groups, combining colour pattern data with genomic and biochemical data as to better study interactions between mimetic groups in
Heliconius.

The term biodiversity refers to the whole of life on Earth, ranging from genetic mechanisms to ecosystems, and including all types of ecological and evolutionary process. Over the past two centuries, studies of biological communities have revealed a systematic tendency for an increase in species diversity in tropical regions in comparison with higher latitudes. More detailed ecological studies have nevertheless revealed that this global trend may obscure more local patterns found within a more restricted latitudinal gradient, and that a multidisciplinary approach can provide important insights and analytical tools for the evaluation of diversity at different spatial scales. In this context, phylogeographic analyses and the evaluation of hybrid zones can be especially informative. Phylogeographic analyses can provide important insights into the evolutionary scenarios formed by different environments, thus contributing to the identification of the natural processes that underpin the divergence of different populations. In turn, hybrid zones provide “natural laboratories” for the systematic evaluation of taxonomic status, and the processes that determine both the limits between species and speciation events.

The first manuscript is based on a study that used approximately three thousand markers obtained by sequencing DNA fragments associated with restriction sites (RAD sequencing). These markers were used to test the influence of extrinsic factors on the genetic structuring and introgression patterns of two neotropical toads (Rhinella jimi and Rhinella schneideri) in a hybrid zone along a transect located in the transition between the Brazilian Caatinga and Cerrado biomes. This hybrid zone can be characterized as a “tension zone”, subject to a high degree of selective pressure against hybridization. The ecological niche modeling also revealed the movement of this hybrid zone. The combined analysis provided conclusive evidence of reproductive isolation between the two lineages.

The second manuscript is an extensive investigation of the role of vicariance and dispersal in the evolutionary history of two closely-related toad lineages (Rhinella horribillis and Rhinella marina) based on mtDNA, intronic markers, and microsatellites. The results of the analysis confirmed the taxonomic status ofR. horribilis, which had remained undefined for more than a century. However, the evolutionary scenario recuperated by the Approximate Bayesian Computing (ABC) analyses indicates a relatively recent process of divergence through the gene flow isolation model (IMa). This study provides the first inferences on the evolutionary history of the two species derived from nuclear markers.

The decrease in the environmental quality of the Brazilian Amazonian coast is mainly associated with the process of disordered urban occupation, caused by the installation of industries and port terminals along the Rivers, estuaries and bays that are responsible for the various effluents in the water bodies of this region. The mangrove area found in this strip of the coast is renowned for its global scale importance, the exuberance of its mangrove forests and the largest continuous line of mangroves in the world. Prolonged or chronic exposure to these effluents may alter the composition and biological structure of the environment. Consequently the decrease of the environmental integrity of the area. Thus, the degree of biological diversity can be used as an indicator of environmental quality, that is, any disturbance in habitat may lead to changes in species diversity. This assumption can also be applied to assess the biodiversity of a parasitic community. Given this scenario, it is possible to use the Monogenoidea (Platyhelminthes) parasites of the host S. herzbergii as bioindicators associating the parasitic indices to the nutritional condition, the availability of host food resources and the environmental conditions of tidal canals of Amazonian estuaries? To answer this question, this catfish was caught in the tidal channels of two areas, one impacted, near the São Luís (MA) port region, and another reference area, in the Caeté estuary in Bragança (PA). Factorial ANOVA was used to verify the influence of locality and seasonality on parasite abundance, environmental variables, biometric data and catfish diet. Redundancy analyzes were performed to verify the influence of environmental variables on the frequency of Monogenoid parasite infestation and on the importance index of catfish relief items. We collected 4,265 specimens of monogenoids belonging to the species: Chauhanellus boegeri, Chauhanellus susamlimae, Calceostomella herzbergii, Chauhanellus velum and another species of Dactylogyridae. The parasitic infestation rates in S. herzbergii showed similar distribution patterns for C. susamlimae, C. boegeri and C. velum in the study areas. C. herzbergii abundance was positively correlated by seasonality and location of catfish capture (p <0.05). Monogenoidea C. herzbergii ectoparasite in S. herzbergii host can be used as bioindicators low levels of environmental degradation in estuarine ecosystems. The predominant conditions in the reference area were characterized by high salinity values and chlorophyll-a during the dry season (p <0.05). The turbidity of the tidal channels of São Marcos Bay presented high values due to the dredging of the navigation channel. S. herzbergii presented a specialized feeding strategy, carcinophage feeding habit, with predominant crab prey (Brachyura) when environmental conditions were favorable to visual predation. The feeding strategy of this catfish changed to generalist when the turbidity of the water was high. The nutritional condition of the catfish was higher during the dry season, in the reference area, when it presented expert dietary strategy and carcinophage eating habits.

This dissertation is presented following the rules established by the Post-Graduate Program in Environmental Biology of the Federal University of Pará, being separated in general introduction and a chapter. The latter is presented in the article format. In the general introduction a brief context is presented on the diversity of fishes with emphasis on sweet fish of the Order Characiformes, highlighting their diversity, distribution, habitat and phylogenetic relationships. In addition, the importance of parasitological studies for this order of fish was emphasized, emphasizing the parasite diversity for the Characidae family, specifically the diversity of parasites of the Monogenoidea class of the Dactylogyridae Family (Platyhelminthes, Cercomeromorpha). The following are the objectives and methods used to obtain the data that culminated in the results that were used to prepare an article, which will be submitted for publication later. In Chapter I, six new species of monogenoids belonging to the genus Characithecium Mendoza-Franco, Reina & Torchin, 2009 (three species), Jainus) Mizelle, Kritzky & Crane, 1968 (two species) and Notozothecium Boeger & Kritsky, 1988 ) are described for drainage of the Guamá river basin of the Northeast of Paraense. Here, too, the occurrence of Characithecium costaricensis (Price & Bussing, 1967) is recorded for the first time, parasitizing South American freshwater species. Finally, a key identification of parasitic monocytoids of Characidae is presented.

The current study analysed hydrology, topography and tree community in a stretch of tidally influenced floodplain forest of the middle Caeté River, Bragança-PA, Brazilian Amazon. The sampling was done on 1,32 ha (8 plots along four transects) and considered trees with breast height diameter ≥ 5 cm. Elevation along transects and within plots was surveyed by means of laser distance meter with levelling functions. Within plots, piezometers (2 m depth) were installed fotr monitoring the level of the ground water table via manual readings and data logging pressure sensors. Surface inundation was measured by staff gauges installed at 10 stations along two of the transects. The ground-water table was high during peak river discharge in the wet season and fell temporarily below 2 m in the dry season. However, flooding of the forest floor during the dry season was registered occasionally during spring high tides. The tidal pulse was visible in automatic ground water table measurements. During the rainy season, high tides together with rain-fall events led to high levels of inundation (of 2 m the 4 m) but the forest was not continuously inundated. Elevations ranged within the range of 1 m to 4 m; inundation level and ground-water table changed according to elevation. In total, 101 (morpho-)species were sampled. Species with high importance values were Macrolobium angustifolium, Macrolobium pendulum, Virola surinamensis, Pachira aquatica and Licania macrophylla. Species diversity was moderately high compared to other flooded forest habitats in the Eastern Amazon. The composition of the tree community changed with elevation (as proxy of inundation), but only a small portion of the observed variation was explained by this factor. Also, the distribution of selected tree species along the elevation gradient indicated that several species preferred a specific range of elevations but no sharp limits were detected.

The South American silver croaker, Plagioscion squamosissimus, is native to the Amazon and naturally distributed in Orinoco, Amazon, Araguaia-Tocantins basins, as well as in the Guiana rivers. Studies suggest that adaptations to the hydrochemical gradients of the Amazon basin explain the structuring observed among the populations of the species. Therefore, this study aimed to increase knowledge about the genetic aspects of the South American silver croaker from the mitochondrial DNA control region, assessing the population structure and its phylogeographic pattern in the Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins. We evaluated 579 base pairs from the control region of 362 specimens, from white and clear water rivers collected in the Amazon and Araguaia-Tocantins basins. All the results revealed three highly differentiated lineages that coexist in the same river system, while within the lineages, individuals from different localities and water types were closely related. Thus, these results refute the hypothesis that the hydrochemical gradients of the rivers are responsible for the patterns of population structure in P. squamosissimus. The observed pattern, however, may be related to the differences in reproductive time between the different groups, so that divergent natural selection could be acting on the ecological adaptations of the individuals, leading to the reduction of gene flow among populations. Population structure could be attributed to the reproductive time of individuals, which can be influenced by a combination factors. High rates of genetic diversity were observed for the control region in most populations, which may be related to the secondary contact between individuals of different genetic lineages. Demographic history evaluations suggest that P. squamosissimus lineages have undergone population expansions in the Pleistocene, during interglacial periods, when environmental conditions became favorable for demographic growth. Considering the presence of genetically differentiated groups in the evaluated area, the results generated in the present study are of great importance and should be considered in the elaboration of management plans for the conservation P. squamosissimus.

Coastal areas are often used for recreational and tourist practices, especially in sandy beaches, but management measures that prioritize beach safety are still insufficient. The aim of this work was to evaluate the natural and anthropic risks of seven beaches in Pará coast (Pesqueiro, Murubira, Colares, Marudá, Princesa, Atalaia and Ajuruteua), and management actions were proposed to guarantee the security of the beachgoers. Campaigns were made in the east and west sectors of the Marajó Bay and between the Marajó-Gurupi bays in the months of June / July, between 2009-2017. Hydrodynamic (tides, waves and currents) and morphodynamic (profile and sedimentology) data were recorded, as well as the assessment of natural and human risks based on the number of occurrences recorded by lifeguards and photographic records. The main occurrences based on natural risks are related to the high hydrodynamic energy, the high beach slope and the presence of both - outcrops and dangerous animals. In addition, the main anthropic risks are related to the unplanned occupation, the discharge of solid waste and sewage, the presence of vehicles in the intertidal zone and the safety system offered by the lifeguards/firefighters. The reports obtained from the lifeguards showed that most of the occurrences recorded during the July months are related to: (i) accidents caused by the absence of signs in outcrops and channel areas and during the periods of high hydrodynamic energy; (ii) accidents caused by the lack of zoning in areas used for sport activities, (iii) lack of adequate training as lifeguards. The use of the DPSIR framework (Driver, Pressure, State, Impacts and Response) showed an efficient tool to identify coastal management measures related to beach safety. It was suggested that governmental authorities elaborate a State Beach Security Plan to guarantee better environmental conditions and saver beaches.

The pirarucu, Arapaima sp., is a great socioeconomic important fish, which has a wide distribution, occurring in the main tributaries of the Amazon, Essequibo and Araguaia-Tocantins river basins. In the last years, different genetic studies have been carried out seeking to contribute with information that helps in conservation measures and fish farming activity of the species. However, some of these or has a low sampling or is restrict only to a basin in the occurrence area, so this is one of the few researches that compiles data from both basins (rivers amazonas and Araguaia-Tocantins), with a wide sampling and uses hypervariable markers (microsatellites) for evaluating the genetic profile of pirarucus along its natural distribution. Therefore, aiming to understand the parameters of genetic diversity and verify the level of population genetic structure on these basins, we analyzed 184 specimens of pirarucu from 13 locations distributed along these basins, using 11 microsatellite loci. The results indicate a greater genetic diversity on pirarucus from Amazon basin, almost the double that has been found on pirarucus from Araguaia-Tocantins, with special emphasis on Jaruá and Prainha that showed 62% (Ra: 3.30; Ho: 0.51) and 59% (Ra: 3.33; Ho: 0.65) of the observed alleles diversity, respectively. The Bayesian analysis indicates the existence of two population structure levels: a first level dividing into two large stocks, Amazon basin and Araguaia-Tocantins basin (ΔK=2), and a second level dividing five populations within these large stocks (ΔK=5), three of these within Amazon basin (High, Middle and Low Amazon) and two in the Araguaia-Tocantins (Tocantins and Araguaia Rivers). Thus, it is pointed out two independent Management Units (MU) that need strategies of specific conservation, respecting the structure levels found. Highlighting, mainly, the need of management plans for populations from Araguaia-Tocantins basin, which showed small indexes of genetic diversity and have been severing overexploited.

Macrobrachium amazonicum has a wide distribution in South America, occurring in continental and coastal environments. The species is rustic, being able to adapt well in rivers, lakes, dams and nurseries of cultivation. It is socioeconomically important in the northern region of Brazil, contributing to the income and food of thousands of families. Due to these aspects, the objective of the study was to propose this species as a potential bioindicator, by using metallothionein as the indicator. This protein has the role of transporting metal ions from the metabolism and detoxifying cells from heavy metals. A characterization of metallothionein (Mt) of M. amazonicum (Ma-Mt) was performed. Subsequently, its vulnerability to exposure to cadmium was verified and it was determined that the expression of Ma-Mt increases in response to this pollutant in water and food. The entire coding area (ORF) of Ma-Mt, corresponding to 62 amino acids, with 17 cysteines, was obtained, showing 100% similarity to Mt of M. rosenbergii. The Amazon prawn proved to be vulnerable to cadmium, with mortality in low concentrations, both in water and in food. There was also no visible increase in Ma-Mt expression. Therefore, M. amazonicum has limited ability to detoxify and accumulate this pollutant, reducing food risk. Thus, this protein has an inefficient role as an indicator of cadmium pollution to be able to use M. amazonicum as a bioindicator.

Allometric models for estimating biomass of dwarf mangrove forests were developed only for aboveground biomass (AGB) while estimates of belowground biomass (BGB) have been neglected. The later are relevant tools to better understand the mechanisms of carbon storage in such forests, besides their importance for use and management of mangrove resources. Our main objective was to estimate total and compartment biomass belowground of the Avicennia germinans (L.) L. dwarf trees on the Ajuruteua Peninsula, Eastern Brazilian Amazon coast. Allometric equations for estimating total and compartment (root crown and roots) BGB were developed for three different tree height size classes. The total tree biomass was estimated with the sum of AGB values estimated by using already existing models for A. germinans in the region. The best models presented linear and power forms while diameter was the most important predictor, whose indicators revealed its high predictive power. Our results showed that the percentage contribution of BGB estimates increased from the smaller to larger height size classes with 46.7 and 52.7%, respectively. The BGB differences between classes seem to be the result of high local salinity variation. The BGB values of these forests were approximately 86.9 Mg ha-1 (48.6%) and 91.7 Mg ha-1 (51.4%) of AGB, with the ratio (BGB/AGB) increasing with the average height of the trees. Total biomass in the 812 ha of A. germinans dwarf forests on the Ajuruteua Peninsula was 145 Gg. Our data support the fact that mangrove forests have large amounts of BGB, contributing a considerable portion to the total biomass of mangroves, thus helping to reduce the uncertainties of biomass production and distribution in the mangrove forests.

In recent years, the cytogenetics studies of fish have increased significantly, and have contributed substantially to the knowledge of marine biodiversity, evolution, conservation of fish species and stocks, and consequently resulting in a better understanding of the chromosome structure of fish species. However, the studies of specific fish groups, especially for marine and estuarine organisms, are still scarce. The estuarine species are organisms that need distinct adaptations in order to survive in such dynamic environments, thus being able to present cytogenetic patterns that are essential for understanding karyotypic evolution and diversification. In this context, aiming not only to increase the knowledge of citotaxonomic data of estuarine species, but also to provide information about the evolutionary events that acted on the physical genome of the species, four species of fish of three different orders were analyzed. Among the order Batrachoidiformes, Batrachoides surinamensis; for Perciformes, Centropomus undecimalis; and for Elopiformes, Elops smithi and Megalops atlanticus. It is important to note that some cytogenetic data obtained consists of the first chromosome characterization of many of the analyzed species, besides being the first study carried out with a wide variety of cytogenetic markers. A variety of chromosomal rearrangements (Fusions, Fissions, Inversions, Duplications, Translocations among others) were observed that allowed to understand the processes of differentiation and karyotype evolution in those species. Also, the phylogenetic patterns and cytotaxonomic markers obtained in this study presented evidence of the influence of habitat on the diversification and organization of the genome of the species.

The productive chain of the mangrove crab in the municipality of Bragança, northeast of Pará, was studied from quantitative and qualitative data by using open and closed interviews, together with snowball method, in order to access the universe of social actors involved in mangrove crab fishery. From 1000 previous interviews were identified 653 fishermen / collectors, of which 393 fed the database of the present study (Bacuriteua = 70, Caratateua = 106, Tamatateua = 103, and Treme = 114). The socioeconomic profile reveals a group with low level of schooling (incomplete elementar school), with 83 women involved, with ages ranging from 35 to 39 years and most are not represented by any legal entities. The fishing activity involves the extraction of 192 crab day^-1 in 38.4 working hours, with fishermen having about 20 years of work in that productive chain, receiving from 0.3 to 5.4 minimum wages in 2017 (R $ 917,00 reais). Fishermen wear handmade individual protection equipment (trousers, gloves, boots, shirts, hats, and tobacco), tackle (hook and net) and catch techniques, removing the crab from the hole with hands (braceamento). They use a variety of transportation methods to the work site (walking, bicycle, car, canoe, bus, and boat), with a time of displacement from 10 minutes to 12 hours and a mean working time of 5 hours to extract crab measuring on average 7.33±0.44, above the established by law. The productive chain has six levels of trading agents: primary producer (PP), primary trader (A1), secondary trader (A2), final vendors (C1), final vendors (C2-Supermarket, C2-Restaurant, C2- Crab-producing Company), and final consumer (CF). The crab is sold in natura and benefited (meat and/or paw) depending on the Polo, varying the unit price between R$ 0.30 to 0.55 cents. The estimated amount of crabs sold outside Bragança-PA is 19,966,499.90 of crabs (2,352.05 ton), generating R$ 11,525,473.00 from 604 participants. The routes that the products generated in this chain start in the communities of the Poles cross the municipality of Bragança-PA and reach the other cities of the State, crossing the borders of the Brazilian Amazon coast towards the states of Amazonas, Ceará, Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and beyond. The chain still oppresses the primary producers (crabbers and crabmeat pickers) with unequal distribution of profit margins up to 8 times lower than the income of primary producers, although they receive on average a little more than a prevailing minimum wage. To update information of this nature is an essential tool for reversing the scenario of women's invisibility, low pay, absence of formal contracts that promote access to labor rights, as well as the uncertainties and difficulties of working in the productive chains on the Brazilian Amazon coast, as is the case of the mangrove crab.

Mangroves play a fundamental role in the ecological maintenance of the coastal zone and have considerable socioeconomic importance for its traditional local communities. Despite this, mangrove forests and the salt flat zone are being targeted increasingly by human activities, reinforcing the need for the application of effective protection and management measures. The present study investigated land use in the mangroves of the Brazilian Amazon coast using a remote sensing approach. RapidEye satellite images from 2011–2015 were processed and classified to identify, map, and quantify the area of mangrove and salt flat within the study area that has been converted to different forms of land use, resulting in maps of land cover and use. The spatial pattern of anthropogenic activities and the environmental drivers determining the loss of mangrove habitat were also analyzed. These analyses were based on the global data on human settlements and the mapping of the region’s road network. The investigation of the potential of the National System of Protected Areas for the conservation of the mangrove of the Brazilian Amazon coast revealed that approximately 92% of the study area (7,210.07 km2) is covered by mangrove forest, while 7% (542.88 km2) is covered by salt flats, and the remaining 1% (67.11 km2) presents anthropogenic impact. Urban expansion and road building were the principal causes of the loss of mangrove habitat, which resulted from local anthropogenic pressures derived from the establishment of settlements in marginal areas, representing the ecotone between the mainland, the mangrove forests, and the salt flats. Most land use in the salt flat zones involved the construction of evaporation ponds for the production of sea salt. Despite the low population density of the study region, and the limited use of the land, the results of the present study indicate that the network of paved roads is the principal environmental factor driving the loss of mangrove habitat in the region. In contrast with the region’s 2024 km of paved highways, unpaved roads (17,496 km) facilitate access to the mangrove, given that 90% of the occurrences of land use were recorded within a 3 km radius of these roads. The region’s existing conservation units, in particular its extractive reserves, play an important role in the protection of the local mangrove and the adjacent salt flats. The vast majority of both mangrove forest (84.4%) and salt flats (91.5%) are located within protected areas, and human activities are more common outside these areas. Overall, then, the mangrove of the Brazilian Amazon coastal zone is well-preserved, with less than 1% of its area being affected by human activities. This emphasizes the need for urgent and priority investment in conservation strategies and prevention measures that will guarantee the long-term maintenance of this ecosystem and its goods and services, contributing to the stability and sustainable development of one of the world’s largest areas of mangrove habitat.

Squirrel monkeys (Cebidae: Saimiri) are small primates of the New World (Platyrrhini). The genus Saimiri was described by Voigt in 1831 and since then several taxonomic and systematicrevisions have been suggested by several authors. In addition to the traditional molecularapproach (DNA sequences of nuclear genes - exons and introns, and mitochondrial), newapproaches to the phylogeny of the Platyrrhini have been proposed with the use of homoplasia-exclusive markers of primates, which are the Alu insertions. The present work aimed to reassessthe phylogenetic relationships between Saimiri taxa and to estimate the time of divergence andbiogeographic history based on nuclear data from Alu regions and a mitochondrial gene.Thirteen Saimiri specimens were studied, based on DNA sequences of 26 nuclear segments ofSaimiri-specific Alu inserts, and a mitochondrial (complete Cytochrome b) gene. Phylogenetic analyzes supported the traditional division of Hershkovitz (1984), evidenced by the formation of two distinct evolutionary units: 1) squirrel monkeys of the Roman group (S. b. Boliviensis, S. b. peruviensis and S. vanzolinii); 2) squirrel monkeys from the Gothic group (S. sciureus, S. collinsi, S. cassiquiarensis, S. macrodon and S. ustus). The highest genetic distance indices were observed among the individuals of the Roman group and the S. sciureus and S. macrodon 2 of the Gothic group. Based on the results obtained and on the Phylogenetic Concept of Species we suggest the recognition of the following species and subspecies: S. boliviensis (S. b. boliviensis, S. b. peruviensis), S. vanzolinii, S. sciureus (north of the Amazon River and Marajó Island) S. collinsi (south of the Amazon River), S. cassiquiarensis (S. c. cassiquiarensis, S. c. macrodon) and S. ustus. The reconstruction of the biogeographic scenarios and the time of divergence indicated that possible events of vicariance and dispersion were responsible for the initial diversification of the squirrel monkeys, from an ancestor widely diffused in the Amazon, with subsequent events of differentiation the taxa occurred in Plio-Pleistocene (3.3-1.2 Ma), before and/or during the establishment of the Amazon River and its main tributaries.

The copepods Acartia tonsa Dana, 1849 and A. lilljeborgi Giesbrecht, 1889 are two congener species distrubuted simpatrically in several estuaries along the Brazilian coast. Cryptic genetic diversity is well-documented for A. tonsa, in both macro and micro-scales, although there is still several missing data, especially regarding the lack of available genetic information on A. lilljeborgi. In the present study, the cryptic genetic diversity of A. lilljeborgi was observed for the first time along the N-NE Brazilian coast, through the mitochondrial markers. Regarding A. tonsa, mitochondrial DNA has shown at least six distinct species/lineages occurring in the Atlantic Ocean, although more efforts are necessary for confirming such diversity. The two species A. tonsa and A. lilljeborgi were used as model organisms applied pedagogically for introducing the concept of species regarding morphological, ecological, biological and phylogenetic concepts. The present results show an excellent study case for using the species concept in a classroom environment, where the same methodology can be applied to several other pairs of species, since these adequate the premises adopted herein. In a broad aspect, the present results are important for comprehension of the still incipient knowledge of the several planktonic communities.

This dissertation is presented following the norms established by the Postgraduate Program in Environmental Biology (PPGBA) according to ABNT, Federal University of Pará, Bragança University Campus, in a general introduction and a chapter in the article format. In the general introduction a brief contextualization of the diversity of neotropical freshwater fishes focusing on the diversity of fish belonging to Cichlidae (Cichliformes) and their metazoan parasites, highlighting the diversity of parasites of the Monogenoidea Class (Platyhelminthes, Cercomeromorpha) is presented. Emphasis was placed on the importance of monogenoid parasites in neotropical cichlids and parasite-host interaction. Next, are presented the key items that correspond to the objectives and general methodology used to obtain the results that culminated in the elaboration of an article, which will be submitted for publication. Chapter I deals with the descriptions of sixteen (4 new) species of monogenoids belonging to Gussevia Kohn & Paperna, 1964, Sciadicleithrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1989 and Trinidactylus Hanek, Molnar & Fernando, 1974 parasitizing the gill arches of the northeastern cichlids paraense Here, too, Sciadicleithrum and Gussevia have their respective diagnoses amended, as well as the presentation of an identification key for parasitic monogenoid species of neotropical cichlids.

Woody debris are an important component in forest ecosystems, but their role in humid forests, especially in mangroves, is poorly understood. Here we conducted an investigation of the stock and carbon content of Coarse Woody Debris (CWD; ≥7.5 cm) and Fine Woody Debris (FWD ≤7.5 cm) in the mangrove forests on Ajuruteua Peninsula in Bragança, Brazilian Amazon coast, by using both Line Intersection and (MIL) and Plot (MP) methods. Our results showed that volume and mass were different between the two methods only in CWD. Our estimates revealed that the C: N ratio is inversely proportional to the decomposition of wood of mangrove tree species (R. mangle, A. germinans and L. racemosa). This is corroborated by our data on the density of dead wood. Our findings on woody necromass reflect the important role of this compartment in the capacity of undisturbed mangrove forests to capture and store carbon, in addition to involving relevant implications for estimates of carbon stocks and sources due to the impacts of land use on mangrove forests.

The present study focused on the hydrodynamics of a tidal channel at the Southeastern Amazon Coastal Zone (SACZ), in an area where neotectonics resulted in estuaries and channels that are deeper than the average along the SACZ, as the Muriá channel, investigated here. The main aim was to investigate the hydrodynamics during the dry season, correlating it with rainy season results previously obtained, encompassing flood-ebb and spring-neap cycles. Therefore, a series of measurements were undertaken, including water level, currents, turbidity/suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) and salinity, in different temporal and spatial scales. The results have shown very little differences in water-level variations within seasonal cycle. Nevertheless, water, salt and SSC fluxes present substantially different seasonal patterns. These variations seem to reflect the characteristics of the Mocajuba and Curuçá estuaries, connected by the Muriá channel, where they are substantially different and vary differently seasonally. The results suggest that SSC is effectively transported only during spring tides, in both seasonal periods. In general, data from both ends of the channel indicate a trend of SSC transport from the Mocajuba to the Curuçá estuary, and salt transport in the opposite direction. Salinity was higher at the Curuçá side in all situations. During rainy season, results suggested a flow convergence into the channel, with tides flooding (and ebbing) from and to both estuaries. However, during dry season the patterns were significantly different, where flooding flow propagate into de Muriá channel only from the Curuçá estuary, all the way through, reaching the Mocajuba estuary. During the ebb, there was no flow from the Mocajuba estuary into the Muriá channel, where the water flowed only towards the Curuçá. The reduced tidal wave deformation inside the channel within rainy-dry seasons, under spring or neap conditions, reflects its structural origin and control, with large depths compared with tidal range. On the other hand, the dry season circulation patterns result in the flush of the Muriá channel, what would explain why the channel is not being infilled, although there is high SSC in circulation and the longtime of existence of the channel.

The present study investigates microparasitic infection found in the Aspistor quadriscutis bagre-cangatá collected in Bragança, northeastern Pará. Samples were obtained at the beach of Ajuruteua through collections made during 12 months. Kudoa infections were observed in the skeletal musculature of A. hysriscutis. Light microscopy and histology techniques were used to identify the microparasite. We also tested the prevalence of parasitic infections according to climatic variations, sex and host size. In this species, females had a higher parasite prevalence when compared to males in the rainy season. For the dry period, there was no significant difference between the sexes. There was a significant difference between the seasonal periods for males, with the highest frequency of parasitism observed in the dry period. Regarding females, there were no significant variations in parasite prevalence between rainy and dry periods. Morphometric analyzes of spores and molecular biology by the sequencing of the SSU rDNA region in A. quadriscutis demonstrated the existence of a new Myxozoa species named Kudoa ajurutellus sp. n. being the first marine species belonging to the genus Kudoa, cataloged in the Amazon region.

The species Piculus flavigula has three subspecies currently recognized: P. f. flavigula, P. f. magnus and P. f. erythropis, with wide geographic distribution in Neotropical region, sharing two areas, the Amazon Rainforest and Atlantic Forest. There are still no papers talk about the intraspecific limits and relations between species. Then, the current paper aims to evaluate the phylogeographic aspects of species P. flavigula based on molecular, morphological and vocal characters. In order to do that, we used ND2 gene for molecular analysis, morphometry and plumage color for morphologic analyses, and vocalizations of literature for vocal analysis. Our results support the idea of monophyly of species and the existence of five lineages, based on distribution, genetics and plumage color. Morphometric and vocal data do not explain this diversification. In this species, diversification seems to have been driven mainly by the formation of dry diagonal, Amazonian rivers, and climatic changes in Plio-Pleistocene.

In this study, he current state of groundwater contamination in the municipality of Tracuateua (Pará, Brazil) was analyzed through an integrated study in which geophysical methodologies and water analysis were applied. This municipality is characterized by the use of groundwater for human consumption and domestic use because the water of the river Tracuateua, main river of the region, are contaminated or unfit for human consumption, besides not having a sewage network that serves the entire population. Data collection was performed in the 2017-2018 biennium during the rainy and dry periods and involved two geophysical methods: Soil Penetration Radar (GPR) and Inductive Electromagnetic (EM), as well as microbiological and physico-chemical analyzes of water. The GPR results allowed to identify areas of contamination in the subsurface from septic tanks, necrochorume and open pit sewage, which in most cases reached the possible water table detected at a depth of 6m. The GPR also identified a Strong depression that reaches a depth of 3.2 m. The methods EM and GPR allowed to identify areas or zones with greater humidity in the soil very close to the surfasse water resources, as is the case of the Tracuateua River na the Passage River. This method also detected the occurrence of the outcropping of a granitic body characteristic of the region. The EM determined that the sites with higher values of apparent conductivities correspond to areas closer to those rivers and that they concentrate areas with greater humidity in the soil corroboranting the identification of these zones with the GPR. Microbiological analyzes shoed that approximately 50% of the sampled siter are contaminated and the waters of the Tracuateua River and the Passage are unfit for human consumption, whereas the physico-chemical analysis found that none of the analyzed points provides adequate water for human consumption, according to the requirements of the Ministry of Health (MS) and the National Environment Council (CONAMA). The results presented are of extreme importance for the conservation of the water resources of the municipal headquarters of Tracuateua anf for the maintenace of the health of the population that supplies them, since they characterize in na unprecedented way the environmental conditions of these sources related to basic sanitation, as well as to raise public awareness about the irregular installation of wells and the inappropriate disposal of sewage.

Phytotherapics have been used for millennia as treatments for diseases recently applied to aquaculture as growth promoters, immune system stimulants and stress reducers, but studies on the action of herbal medicines on native fish are still incipient in Brazil. Thus, the present study sought to evaluate the influence of garlic essential oil (Allium sativum) on productive performance, body composition and physiological and hematological parameters of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fingerlings. A completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications was used. One hundred and fifty tambaqui fingerlings were divided into 15 fiber aquariums (300 L), kept in water recirculation system, equipped with a mechanical, biological filter and constant aeration. A diet was formulated and five levels of garlic essential oil were included (0,00; 0,05; 0,50; 1,00 e 1,50 g kg-1). The diets were offered to the fish twice daily, in the proportion of 5% of the live weight, during 82 days. At the end of the experiment, after a 24 hour fast, the fish were counted, weighed and measured to determine the productive performance. Blood was collected from all fish to determine the physiological and hematological parameters. The fish were then euthanized and eviscerated to determine the carcass yield index. Subsequently, the body composition. Data were submitted to ANOVA variance analysis (p <0.05) and, in case of significance, the Tukey test was applied at 5% probability. There were no significant differences for the parameters of productive performance. The lipid content decreased in higher inclusion levels of garlic essential oil, moisture and ashes were not influenced by the addition of garlic essential oil. Blood glucose and number of erythrocytes decreased with the inclusion of garlic essential oil in diets. The rate of monocytes and eosinophils increased from the inclusion of 0.50 g kg -1 of garlic essential oil, while the rate lymphocytes and neutrophils decreased. It is concluded that levels of inclusion of garlic essential oil do not influence the productive performance, but it promotes improvements in the body composition, in the physiological and hematological parameters of tambaqui fingerlings.

From the order Perciformes, the family Lutjanidae presents 110 species widely distributed into coastal habitats, rocky reef and estuaries along the Atlantic, Indic and Pacific Oceans. The subfamily Lutjaninae has the major taxonomic diversity of the group, including Lutjanus jocu, and many of its members have already been models of population and phylogeographic genetic studies. L. jocu popularly known by several common names (e.g., dentão, caranga, carapitanga or dog snapper) is distributed from northeast of the United States (Massachusetts) to the southeast of Brazil. Its morphology, ecology and reproductive features, mainly, its dispersive capacity are similar to others Lutjanidae, add of its importance to the fishing scene. Regard to studies aimed at the knowledge of the genetic architecture and evolutionary traits of L. jocu are few available. Therefore, the major goal of this study was to evaluate the population structure, levels of genetic diversity and historical demography of this species along the Coast of Brazil through multiple loci (RC, Cyt B, D6 and PrS7) and 144 samples collected in six locations. As results, the first one point was that the markers were satisfactory about of their polymorphism levels that is, presented high levels of genes variation. High genetic diversity was hypothetically relate to the effective size expressed by the present species. Second one, the homogeneous pattern among the sampled populations was associated with larval dispersal of the dog snapper and other reproductive elements (slow maturity and long pelagic larval duration), so, responding to a scenario of panmixia and high genetic connectivity in Brazil. To the last, the demographic outcome demonstrated a growth on its population size, dated approximately 400 thousand years after its beginning, congruent to the Last Pleistocene.

The scope of plant reproductive biology includes all aspects of reproductive activities of the plants as well as the evolutionary role of the adopted strategies. The presence of feminine and masculine functions within the same flower (hermaphroditism) facilitates cross pollination and can, at the same time, also favour auto-pollination. In this context, the challenge in cross-pollination is the ideal disposition of male and female functions that minimises interference between them. Flowers of Vitex are hermaphroditic and show morphological characteristics typical for bee pollination. Homogamy and self-compatibility as well as herkogamy and dichogamy have been described for this genus, and a wide variety of floral visitors has been observed, mainly bees. In the coastal region of Pará, there are three species: Vitex orinocensis, V. guianensis and V. triflora. The current study indicate that the three species show a certain degree of auto-pollination. However, there are strategies favouring cross-pollination, like delayed receptivity of the stigma and autoincompatibility mechanisms. The three species differ in timing of flowering within the course of the year, time of anthesis during the morning hours, pollen and nectar availability for floral visitors and great richness of floral visitors, bees being, however, the most frequent.

A comparison of the diet of Caranx crysos, Eucinostomus gula e Micropogonias furnieri was performed to investigate possible associations with gross morphological or ecological characteristics of the species across their large distributional range in the Atlantic and Caribbean from Panama to Southern Brazil. Samples were btained between march/2016 and september/2017, from fishermen and local markets. Stomachs were removed and their content analyzed using the volumetric method. Diet was characterized by freqeuncy of occurrence and volume of dietary items. A total of 266 stomachs were analyzed, including 107 from C. crysos, 64 from E. gula and 95 from M. furnieri. Only 11 stomachs were empty. Most were partially full (128=48.12%). For all three species the dominant food item was animal tissue in digestion. The diet of C. crysos and M. furnieri showed a tendency towards specialization in consumption of teleost fish and crustaceans, while E. gula showed a slight tendency towards consumption of molluscs and crustaceans. This was confirmed by the graphical method of Costello. With regard to sampling region, Panamanian samples showed a higher number of items for C. crysos (102 items) and E. gula (79 items), while M. furnieri diet was most diversified from samples on the southern coast of Brazil (81 items). Although all three species are classified as generalist opportunists and carnivores the dominance of the dietary items appears to be related to their position in the water column and related to their association to the substrate. Dietary overlap between species was similarly related to their relative position in the water column and could also be seen between populations of the same species in relation to the geographic provinces sampled.

Teredinids are a group of wood boring bivalve mollusks and in mangroves, play an important ecological role. Along the Brazilian coast there are a total of 22 species, commonly known as teredos, turus or gusanos. The predominant species in the mangrove peninsula of Ajuruteua, Pará, is Neoteredo reynei (Bartschi, 1920). Like oysters and mussels, they are widely used as human food, mainly in northern Brazil. The present work characterized ecological aspects, based on the density of individuals in mangrove logs and the nutritional value of the shipworm, along with local knowledge about the consumption habits of shipworms. Questionnaires were applied in three communities within the managed Marine Reserve Caeté-Taperaçu, regarding the social profile of people and their beliefs about shipworm consumption. Seasonal differences are associated with ecological variables. The mean density of individuals per log is weakly associated with variation in individuals mass and pH. On the other hand, there is significant and negatively association between salinity and inclination of the log in relation to the soil. Nutritional values indicated that percentages of crude protein and crude minerals are very similar to other commonly consumed marine mollusks, rich in essential amino acids and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc, necessary or auxiliary in various functions in the human body. Of the interviewees, 60% were men and 40% women, where 9% of the total consume shipworm because they believe it improves sexual performance, in contrast to the remaining 91% of  consumer who find it tasty, improve their daily activities and believe it helps prevent certain diseases. The frequency of consumption was predominantly once a month, and 35% of respondents believed that shipworm consumption helps prevent respiratory, immune, and digestive diseases, as well as weakness. The nutritional value of shipworms found in this and other studies, suggests that there may be a basis for the belief that consumption of turus may help combat a range of diseases and ailments.

Carbon dioxide and methane emission rates were measured in a tropical mangrove forest. Measurements were related to vegetation distribution and flood frequency. Fluxes were estimated during wet and dry seasons within different levels of soil salinity and soil variables such as iron (Fe), carbon (C), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N) contents and soil texture for sand, silt and clay fractions. CO₂ fluxes varied between 14.28 and 0.02 µmols m^-2 s^-1, with an average rate of 2.52 ± 2.86 µmols m^-2 s^-1. CO₂ fluxes showed strong and significant variation between dry and wet seasons (p < 0.01), with greater rates observed during dry season, with Avicennia germinans showing an average rate of 2.95±3.19 during dry season and 1.02±0.37 during wet season. Laguncularia racemosa showed an average emission of 3.31±3.60 and 0.87±0.35 µmols m^-2 s^-1 for dry and wet seasons, respectively. Rhizophora mangle averaged 3.30±3.04 µmols m^-2 s^-1 for dry season and 1.36±0.76 µmols m^-2 s^-1 for wet season. Unlikely CO₂, CH₄ fluxes have not responded to seasonal changes (p > 0.05). As expected, Rm sites showed the largest fluxes, with an average rate of 4.37±3.74 mg m^-2 d^-1, followed by Lr with an average rate of 4.00±3.68 mg m^-2 d^-1, then by Ag showing a rate of 2.31±3.07 mg m^-2 d^-1.

CO₂ and CH₄ emissions were estimated from bare soil and pneumatophore structures in a tropical mangrove forest. Bare soil at P1 showed higher elevation and lower flood frequency and emitted an average of CO₂ and CH₄ of 1.68±1.09 µmol m^-2 s^-1 and 1.65±2.19 mg m^-2 d^-1. P2 showed an average rate of 1.37±0.78 µmol m^-2 s^-1 and 0.75±1.07 mg m^-2 d^-1 for CO₂ and CH₄ fluxes for bare soils. Emissions from pneumatophores structures at P1 averaged 2.89±1.72 µmol m^-2 s^-1 and 2.01 mg m^-2 d^-1 for CO₂ and CH₄. At P2, pneumatophores emitted and average rate of CO₂ of 3.01±2.34 µmol m^-2 s^-1 and a mean flux of CH₄ of 2.87 mg m^-2 d^-1. CO₂ fluxes showed highly significant differences between bares soils and pneumatophores (p<0.01). CH₄ fluxes have responded significantly to substrate types (p<0.01). 

CO₂ and CH₄ below canopy fluxes were taken during flooding events and for exposed soils. Three measurement stations were chosen based on flood frequency and freshwater or seawater discharge. On average, across sites, CO₂ flux means were 1.22 µmols.m^-2.s^-1 and 1.52 µmols.m^-2.s^-1 for flood and soil exposed conditions, respectively. Averaged CH₄ flux rates varied significantly of 2.54 and 4.13 mg.m^-2.d^-1 for exposed and flood conditions, respectively. A significant effect of canopy vegetation on dampening wind effects on water surface disturbance or the lack of turbulent transport may have reduced gas fluxes to the atmosphere.

The study of migratory behavior in birds offers many advantages to understanding the neurobiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the learning and memory process that migration requires. In addition, we can offer unique opportunities in other areas of neuroscience research and evolution. A migration of birds requires coordination of different physiological systems in addition to a visual memory and well-sensed senses and the hippocampus seems to be involved without storage, integration and retrieval of all information on the guidelines for a migration. It is also known that the hippocampus represents the cognitive map of the environment surrounding the animal, the astrocytes are of great importance for several regulatory processes of the region, contributing to a memory and learned, as well as may undergo changes in quantity, afforestation and functionality under PACAP regulation of the ADCYAP1 gene where the polymorphism of the microsatellites can regulate important elements of the post-transcriptional processes. The objective of this work is to investigate if the number and morphology of astrocytes, as well as the size of the microsatellites, of the ADCYAP1 gene, may be related to the migratory behavior of Charadrius. semipalmatus and Charadrius collaris birds. Birds were collected on the coast of Bragança-PA, Brasil. The numbers of astrocytes, volume of hippocampal formation and telencephalon were estimated. As results we found significant differences in the quantity and morphology of the astrocytes of Hippocampal Formation (FH), in the volume of FH and in the Telencephalon of both hemispheres, as well as in the size of the microsatellites of the ADCYAP1 gene. Thus, the migratory group has a greater amount and morphological complexity of astrocytes than the non- migratory group, as well as the larger size of the microsatellites to the detriment of the transcontinental flight effort, the greater requirement of the spatial memory and the greater capacity of flight

Amazonian estuaries have high connectivity among themselves or with other coastal environments. Taperaçu estuary, for example, does not have a direct fluvial discharge, however it has connectivity with wetland areas through the Tamatateua channel and the Caeté estuary, this last through the Taici channel. The purpose of this study was to know the influence of less saline waters of those environments on the oscillations of hydrological variables in the Taperaçu estuary. The study was conducted during a period of El Niño (2016) and La Niña (2017) events, so the effects of these events during two rainy periods were also studied. In the field, each campaign was carried out in different rainfall conditions, during spring tides for 25 hours each. A campaign in March 2017 (rainy season) was taken in Taici creek and Tamatateua channel during flood tides. Hydrological data were collected using a bottom-mounted mooring with CTD`s (+ turbidity sensors) in each station. Temperature, salinity and turbidity data were recorded every 10 min. Water samples were also collected at each station to obtain pH, dissolved nutrient and chlorophyll-a data using Niskin oceanographic bottles every 3h. The results confirmed the influence of connectivity in the upper sector of the Taperaçu estuary, which receives less saline waters and it is richer in chlorophyll-a concentrations. Caeté estuary contributes with a large amount of nitrogen compounds to the Taperaçu, while Tamatateua channel provides orthophosphate. During La Niña event (April/17), Taperaçu waters were less saline and richer in dissolved nutrients when compared to the same period of 2016. In 2017, waters were more turbid and therefore poorer in phytoplankton biomass. During El Niño event, salinity reached values above 40 in the lower sector in the dry period. However, the waters were richer in phytoplankton biomass in the upper sector, where the turbidity was lower, coinciding with the high concentrations of nitrate. These results demonstrate the influence of connectivity on hydrological variables in the upper sector of the Taperaçu estuary, as well as the influence of the El Niño and La Niña events on their oscillations.

Phenology, aspects of floral biology and pollinators of four species of Ouratea, Ochnaceae, were studied between October 2015 and December 2016. The species featured diurnal flowering, maintaining high pollen viability for most of the day. The flowering pattern was annual, with peaks between October and December. The plants featured pollen flowers with poricidal anthers and buzz pollination syndrome. Flower visitors were bees from six genera, Augochloropsis, Bombus, Centris, Melipona, Trigona and Xylocopa. With exception of bees from genus Trigona, all performed buzz pollination.

The difference in the morphology and architecture of the trees implies the choice of structural measures that best express their production. From the three groups of dwarf trees of Avicennia germinans allometric models were generated and the biomass of the dwarf mangrove forest areas on the Ajuruteua Peninsula, Bragança, Brazilian Amazon coast, was estimated. Dependent (Leaf and Branch/Stem) and independent (Diameter, Height, Cup Area and Volume) variables were used to generate the equations whose values were predictive and adjusted. The model of the equation used was based on the logarithm (biomass = CF (exp (a + b ln (V)))), by using Correction Factor and addition of other independent variables, when necessary. The estimated total value per area was 123.2 Mg h-1, while the estimated value for the entire dwarf mangrove forest area reached 99.9 Gg, about 2.4% of the estimated total biomass for the Ajuruteua Peninsula (4.230 Gg). The estimated values for A. germinans dwarf trees, mainly of Group-03 (Leaf=9.2 Mg ha-¹; Branch/Stem=100.1 Mg ha-¹), when compared to those of trees of the same species in other sites of the same Peninsula (Leaf=6.18 Mg ha-¹; Branch/Stem=123.1 Mg ha-¹) are very similar. This is certainly related to the difference in number of individuals per area (density=4.440 ind ha-¹) and the wood density of this species that is higher (0.85 g cm³) in dwarf trees and lower in specimens of other sites (0.64 g cm3). The estimated values are higher for dwarf mangrove forests, but the size of trees is much higher than for trees in other regions worldwide, showing the need for a better understanding of the contribution of these forests to the overall biomass estimation of mangroves, determining their influence on carbon stocks and global climate change.

Several studies have revealed that the mangrove ecosystem plays a key role in carbon dynamics, not only in terms of sequestration or export, directly related to photosynthetic and respiratory processes, but also to energy flow and nutrient cycling within that ecosystem, contributing significantly to the total carbon budget. The aim of the present study was to estimate CO2 and CH4 eflux at the air-water interface of the large-sized and small-sized tidal channels in mangroves on the Ajuruteua Peninsula, Bragança-Pará, Brazilian Amazon coast. Large-sized channels did not present significant difference in relation to CO2 efflux (Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.1638). The CO2 efflux rates ranged from 1.6, 1.8, and 3.2 μmol m-2 s-1 at Taperaçu, Furo Grande, and Taici, respectively. There was a significant difference for CH4 efflux (Kruskal-Wallis, p=0.0048) between studied channels. The CH4 efflux was 1.6, 1.1, and 0.5 mg CH4 m-2 d-1 at Taici, Furo Grande, and Taperaçu, respectively. Spearman correlations (rs) showed that temperature was the variable that correlated with CO2 and CH4 fluxes. Higher CO2 efflux occurred in tidal channels with lower salinity, with a similar trend recorded for the remaining channels, except for CH4 eflux at Furo Grande, which even with an intermediate salinity value CH4 eflux was recorded to be 2.0 mg m-2 d-1, superior to the efflux of the small-sized tidal channels at Caeté. The results revealed that the variation in CO2 and CH4 efflux between the large-sized and small-sized tidal channels was influenced by the salinity, whose high values ended up inhibiting, reducing CO2 efflux, but especially CH4 efflux, except in tidal channels at Furo Grande, which presented higher CH4 efflux in high salinity. In sum, the approach presented here covers a dataset that allows a better understanding of the functional importance of water bodies of different sizes through the trends of CO2 and CH4 efflux, especially considering that the emission rates of Greenhouse gases from mangroves are still neglected in the carbon balance at different scales.

In the fish processing industry, a considerable amount of waste is generated. An effective method for recovering proteins and adding value to such residues is the application of hydrolytic processes, in order to produce hydrolysates for human or animal consumption. The main objective of this study was to optimize the enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins from fillet trims of green weakfish (Cynoscion virescens) and red snapper (Lutjanus purpureus), by using the ProtamexTM enzyme and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). In the optimization of the protein hydrolysate, a central composite design with 18 runs was used, the independent variables being the temperature (T °C), the enzyme: substrate ratio (E/S%) and pH. The response variables were the degree of hydrolysis (DH%) as a function of the reaction time, monitored by the pH-stat method, and kinetic parameters (a and b) of the empirical model that describes the enzymatic reaction. The kinetic curves of enzymatic hydrolysis showed a high initial rate of reaction up to 40 minutes, reducing slowly until reaching a stationary phase in 60 minutes. The experimental data of the enzymatic hydrolysis were well adjusted to the kinetic hydrolysis model, with coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.98 and mean relative deviation < 5%. RSM optimization for DH values at 60 minutes of reaction showed that R2 for the adjusted model was 0.97 and 0.84 for green weakfish and red snapper, respectively. DH ranged from 18.53 to 30.16% for green weakfish and 14.49 to 23.83% for red snapper. The variables that most influenced the DH values were: E/S > T> pH, for green weakfish; for red snapper, the same effects were observed, but the pH was not statistically significant. The R2 of the adjusted model for the kinetic parameters a and b were 0.88 and 0.74 for green weakfish; however, red snapper presented low R2 for these parameters (a = 0.72 and b = 0.39). For the substrate green weakfish, the parameter a suffered greater influence of the following effects: T > E/S > T x E/S; for parameter b, the variables were: E/S > T > T x E/S. The optimum experimental condition for validation of the enzymatic hydrolysis of green weakfish was: T = 55 ° C, E/S = 4.2% and pH = 6.7; for red snapper, the optimal condition was different only at T = 65 ° C. The value predicted by the model in the optimal condition, for green weakfish = 30.19 ± 1.06 and red snapper = 24.71 ± 5.35, corroborated with the experimental, for value green weakfish = 30.52 ± 0.30 and red snapper = 20.38 ± 0.51.

The dune areas of the Brazilian coastline between Marajó Bay (Pará) and São Marcos’ Bay (Maranhão) are usually bordered or even completely surrounded by the extensive mangrove forests of this region. Since the 1980s, research on the restinga vegetation of these isolated dune areas has increased; however, biogeography and ecological processes governing plant diversity of the dune areas are still insufficiently known. It has been recognized early that environmental conditions in dune areas and on the coastal sandy plain as a whole are often limiting factors for the development of plant species. However, more recent studies have shown that, besides deterministic environmental effects, stochastic events play an important role in shaping plant community diversity patterns and species distribution. Restinga areas are an interesting environment for investigating these ecological processes. The main objective of this thesis is to investigate patterns in the diversity and biogeography of plant species from restinga areas of the coast of the Brazilian state of Pará, focusing on (1) a comparison of dune forest islands distributed across the Amazon coastline regarding soil properties and patterns of woody plant diversity and dominance; (2) present an updated floristic account of the seed plants of coastal dune areas of Pará from surveys and a revision of the available literature; and (3) summarising the current knowledge on lycophytes and ferns of the restinga areas in Pará. We conducted floristic and forest structure surveys at a number of restinga sites in Pará. Forest structure was recorded at Buraco Beach, Camarauaçu and Apeu- Salvador, three sites isolated from the mainland by extensive mangrove forests. Regarding objective (1), one of the sites, Camarauaçu, featured a less diverse, narrowly oligarchic tree community; a second site, Buraco Beach, was uncommon in terms of low beta diversity and had a slightly divergent community composition, as indicated by ordination via Non Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS). The species found during the surveys were usually generalists with a wide distributional range. Environmental filtering is responsible for the reduced diversity compared to less exposed coastal sites. Differences in species composition between sites are attributed to stochastic effects on long distance dispersal. Regarding (2), a number of new occurrences for the restingas of Pará were found. The finding that most species are wide-spread generalists was confirmed. Most species are naturally distributed in the Amazon mainland rainforests but NMDS ordination suggests that seems to be a slight difference in species composition among geological sectors of the Pará coastline (Pará platform, Bragança-Viseu basin). Regarding (3), a new occurrence for Pará was found (the quillwort, Isoetes triangula U.Weber). Many restinga ferns/lycophytes are (semi-)aquatic. All restinga species have a wide distributional range on the mainland and may occupy a variety of habitats. As in seed plants, low fern/lycophyte diversity is probably an expression of environmental filtering and, partly, of dispersal abilities.

The Amazon coast is influenced by different physical forces, such as macrotides, waves, and high rainfall level and riverine discharge. There, the high hydrodynamic energy and unplanned occupation of the shoreline are responsible for the destruction of buildings/infrastructure and natural environments. To understand the effects of tides and waves on the social dynamics in a small village protected by an extensive sandy tidal flat, as well as the morphodynamic variabilities of that tidal flat - physical forces and social aspects were studied focusing different tidal and wave/weather conditions. Eight intensive campaigns were undertaken to investigate different tides, waves and morphodynamic conditions between 2012 and 2014. The study occurred under a normal (2014) and an atypical period of rainfall levels (2012/2013, drought). Local development is limited, particularly by the lack of adequate services and infrastructure. This fact, along with the physical forces, is responsible for the destruction of structures and natural environments as well as the residents’ need to move to protected areas. In this study, temporal variability was marked by higher-energy conditions during high tides mainly of equinoctial period, which is associated with higher tidal ranges and moderate wave energy. Conversely, the lowest-energy events were observed when the weakest winds blew (rainy season), except during the supermoon in June 2013. Overall, when tidal elevation is above 2 m mainly during the higher-energy condition prevails the tide modified condition, whereas when tidal elevation is below 2 m prevails tide dominated condition. When waves reaches higher values, wave-dominated characteristic can be also recorded. In this study, the most intense erosion process occurred under the higher wave energy in the highest-exposure zone (P2) during the drought year of 2013. As the physical forces are similar to those in other Amazon coastal areas, it is hoped that the results of the present study can contribute to the understanding of the specific effects of such conditions on that highly indented coast and in other areas of the equatorial zone with similar environmental and social characteristics. The implementation of a Coastal Management Plan considering conflicts/losses and benefits/profits are necessary for this and other Amazon sectors.

In the first article (Chapter 1), aspects related to the oyster culture supply chain in the state of Pará were evaluated. Between 2013 and 2014, research was carried out in seven associations involved in oyster culture through interviews with the president of each association, as well as with 56 members (72% of the total). Secondary data were obtained with the permission of management reports from the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service of the State of Pará. The associations Agromar, Nova Olinda and Aquavila, Lauro Sodré stand out from the rest due to their larger on-growing areas and total production in 2013. However, smaller associations are more efficient with higher production per unit area. Although associations have grown in numbers since 2006, along with increased capacity and output due to government assistance, compared to other regions of Brazil, they need to be better organized internally. Associations should be less reliant on public funding and develop more partnerships with private enterprise. In addition, there must be active co-participation in the development of legislation and public policies that regulate oyster culture and the protection of natural oyster beds. In the second article (Chapter 2), the present study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics of water at all oyster farming units in Pará. Salinity, temperature (oC), oxidation-reduction potential (mV), pH, dissolved oxygen (mg.l-1), depth (m) and the concentration of chlorophyll-a (mg.m3) were measured in situ in both the dry season of 2013 and the rainy season of 2014. All variables, except depth, were significantly higher in the dry season. Mean salinity, which ranged from 2.4 to 46, is the most important variable that explains the variation between associations in relation to the season, date of sampling in each season and state of the tide. However, dissolved oxygen, pH and depth were also important. Oyster culture units in Pará can be defined in terms of water quality as suitable for harvesting seed from the wild (lower salinity and pH), or for on-growing of adults (higher values of salinity, pH and depth). In the third article (Chapter 3), settlement, seed size, larval development in the laboratory, growth and aspects of the commercialization of cultivated oysters were investigated from 2012 to 2016 in five culture units in pará, during periods varying from 6 to 12 months. Seed length differed between December 2014 (21 mm) and April 2015 (12 mm) and smaller size appears associated with higher precipitation. Native seed numbers were higher in the on-growing area whereas abundance of exotic seed was low. Larval development is best at salinities of 16 and 21, in which the pediveliger stage appeared after 53 days. Oyster growth in culture was variable, but market size was reached in at least 4 months at Agromar, Aappns and Asapaq. Mortality ranged from 19% to 46%, comparable to other C. gasar cultures. Oyster mass varies monthly and between crops, and is related to pre-sale size selection. On average, oysters in the Baby and Médio classes are 77% and 80% shell. Aquavila is suitable for harvesting seed, whereas Agromar has the lowest mortality and is suitable for on-growing. Most of the oysters sold at Agromar are within the class limits, whereas those sold at Aquavila are larger.

In this work was analyzed the process of silting of Aturiaí river, Augusto Corrêa (Pará, Brazil) by applying an integrated study with using geophysical, geological and socioenvironmental methodologies. Aturiaí River is one of the largest and more important water resources from Augusto Corrêa (Pará). We used the geophysical method knownasGround Penetration Radar (GPR). We also applied granulometric analysis of the sediments from Aturiaíriver and a socioenvironmental study to available the anthropic influence on river dinamic. This study lasted two years, alternating the collection of data between rainy and dry periods. The results show evidence of silting of the river duo to anthropic character near the village, where human activities have a direct impact on the river dynamic. The activities of livestock, agriculture and housing construction considerably modify the river’s surrondings, which has its riparian forest increasingly exposed to silting being the same unprotected degraded and leaves it more exposed to sediment input. However, the process studied seems to have a natural character when we move from the village towards the end of the river. Human interference in this region decreases considerably, being restricted to activities such as the installation of corrals, which are the main promoters of sediment accumulation along the river. The tide influence in those areas far away from the village is bigger and their periods of calm also seem conducive to the formation of shoals. However in its heaviest periods, it can erode the banks and rework the accumulated sediment.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the use of plankton nets with different mesh sizes in determining the composition and population dynamics of the copepods in the Taperaçu estuary, located in the Amazonian coastal region of north Brazil. The samples were collected using 120 and 300 μm conical plankton nets (with flowmeters), through simultaneous horizontal trawls in the subsurface of the water column in the months of June, September and November of 2013, and April of 2014, in three fixed stations distributed along the estuary (upper sector-S1, medium-S2 and lower-S3), at regular intervals of 3 hours, for approximately 25h, totaling 216 samples. The hydrological variables, temperature, salinity and turbidity of the water were obtained in situ through CTDO's with turbidity sensors, while additional samples were collected for laboratory determination of pH, and chlorophyll-a and dissolved nutrients concentrations. A total of 21 species were identified, all of them present in the 120 μm mesh size net samples and only nineteen in the 300 μm net samples. Among these, A. tonsa (29.8%), A. lilljeborgi (38.4%) and P. marshi (6.1%) were abundant in the 300 μm mesh, while P. quasimodo (10.3%) and O. oswaldocruzi (6.9%) were abundant in the 120 μm mesh. Copepoda nauplii (24.7%) and A. tonsa (8.3%) and A. lilljeborgi copepodites (15.9%) were also observed, which showed a high relative contribution (RA%) of total copepods collected with the mesh of 120 μm. As for the density, values of the dominant species for P. quasimodo (7.87 ± 31.36 to 7426.55 ± 58554.75 ind.m-3; U = 958.50, p <0.001), O. oswaldocruzi ( 5.50 ± 23.53 at 2193.42 ± 5.50 ind.m-3; F = 12.73, p <0.001), as well as for A. tonsa copepodites (19.95 ± 85.02 to 384 , 74 ± 3754.27 ind.m-3, F = 96.50, p <0.001) and A. lilljeborgi (18.86 ± 39.12 to 918.28 ± 6269.97 ind.m-3; F = 49.39, p <0.001) showed significant differences between meshes, with the lowest values recorded in the 300 μm net samples, showing an underestimation up to 95% in their abundances, when compared to the 120 μm mesh net. Considering the two meshes used in the zooplankton collections, the results obtained for the estimation of biomass and production rate of the dominant copepod species follow the data obtained for the density. Ecological indices (diversity, equitability and species richness) did not differ significantly between meshes. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) together with Spearman Correlation suggest that the peaks of abundance of some species were associated with greater tolerance to variations in salinity. Additionally, the analised data also suggest that the quality and availability of food, and estuary hydrodynamics, driven by seasonality of rainfall, influenced the spatio-temporal variability of the studied organisms. The results showed that the use of different collection methods, and in particular the use of plankton nets with different mesh sizes, results in different estimates of density, biomass and mesozooplankton production, thus constituting a potential source of "error" when we do not take into account the target group to be collected and their respective dimensions, or even the different ontogenetic stages of organisms present in the study area.

This study aimed to evaluate the phytoplankton structure as well as the influence of environmental variables on the dynamics of this community in three Amazonian beaches of Maranhão, and verify by monitoring if the water of the shipping region of São Marcos Bay and the water of ballast of ships that docked at the Maritime Terminal Ponta da Madeira (TMPM), is introducing new phytoplankton species in this coastal region of the Amazonian coast. Hydrodynamic, hydrological and biological data were collected in three beaches of São Luís in 2008 and 2009, while in the port area of São Marcos Bay the phytoplankton community and the hydrological variables of the bay were evaluated in the years of 2012 and 2013. For the monitoring the ballast water and for the identification of the phytoplankton species in the ballast water of vessels that docked at the TMPM, samples were collected in the ballast tanks in the years of 2012 to 2014. On the beaches of São Luís, a total of 177 taxa were recorded, from which some diatoms were quantitatively important, among them Asterionellopsis glacialis (Castracane) Round, Coscinodiscus jonesianus (Greville) Ostenfeld, Dimeregramma minor (Gregory) Ralfs ex Pritchard and Odontella regia (Schultze) Simonsen. The total phytoplankton density (max. 1274.3 x 103 cells.L-1) and chlorophyll-a concentrations (max. 20.9 mg.m-3) were significantly higher in the rainy months. Furthermore, the total phytoplankton density and studied fractions (microphytoplankton and phytoflagellates) showed significant differences between the studied beaches. In the shipping area of São Marcos Bay, the phytoplankton community presented 186 taxa, with the occurrence of Chaetoceros danicus Cleve, Coscinodiscus wailesii Gran & Angst, Pleurosira laevis (Ehrenberg) Compère and Planctonema lauterbornii Schmidle, first reported for the Maranhão coast, and of some representatives of microalgae potentially harmful and/or toxic. Phytoplankton biomass was significantly higher in the rainy months (11.6 ± 7.8 mg.m -3), while the phytoplankton density did not exhibit seasonal patterns, with peaks of densities in some months of the dry period, as well as in some rainy months. In the ballast water of the vessels sampled, 215 phytoplankton species were recorded, most of which were considered oceanic (36.6%). However, several coastal species, as well as some freshwater, not yet recorded in the Maranhão coast were also observed. Species considered potentially toxic, such as Pseudo-nitzschia pungens (Grunow ex Cleve) Hasle, P. seriata (Cleve) H. Peragallo e Protoperidinium crassipes (Kofoid) Balech, as well as some representatives of toxic genera such as Alexandrium and Gymnodinium were also observed in ballast water. The phytoplankton density presented values up to 140.4 x 103 cells.L-1 and the specific diversity was high in most of the vessels analyzed. For the beaches of São Luís, the results suggest that the variation in composition and density of the phytoplankton was determined by the interaction between the strong hydrodynamism and the local rainfall regime, which modulated the other environmental variables. In addition, the strong anthropogenic influence observed in these urban beaches also interfered in the dynamics of the local phytoplankton communities. In São Marcos Bay, the main regulating factors of the phytoplankton dynamics were salinity and dissolved nutrient concentrations, which were strongly influenced by the rainfall regime and local hydrodynamics. In addition, the occurrence of species reported for the first time to this coast, as well as of potentially harmful and toxic microalgae suggests the necessity of continuous studies of the phytoplankton community of the shipping area of the São Marcos Bay. The monitoring performed in the ballast water of vessels that docked at the TMPM points to the possibility of introduction of species, suggesting that ballast water is the main introduction process in this area. On the other hand, it is important to elaborate monitoring strategies that allow the identification and monitoring of marine invasive species present in the ballast water of ships that dock at the TMPM and other Amazonian environments in order to mitigate problems arising from the introduction of allochthonous species in the region.

The estuarine-coastal extractivists from the communities inside and in the surrounding area of the Caeté-Taperaçu Marine Extractive Reserve (RESEX Mar) use the mangrove resources for food and commercialization, mainly crustaceans and mollusks. In order to understand the environmental representation of these invertebrates, the present study aimed to access the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the estuarine-coastal extractivists of the Taperaçu-Campo and Tamatateua communities on the terrestrial and marine invertebrates that inhabit the mangrove ecosystem. We conducted 18 semi-structured interviews using the snowball method, where the first contact indicated the following. We recorded 127 invertebrate citations whose classification in the lowest possible taxonomic level totalling 18 taxa. The invertebrates were separated into groups by taxonomic similarity generating six groups. The infraorder Brachyura was the most cited group with 43% of the evocations, followed by the phylum Mollusca with 34%, class Malacostraca (15%), Insecta (4%), Polychaeta (4%) and Arachnida (1%). Clouds of words showed that the most evocative words for the infraorder Brachyura and phylum Mollusca referring to their Habitat were "mud" and "hole" and "wood" and "mangrove", respectively, whereas for Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism the terms "claw" and "red" were the most cited for the braquiúros, while "white" and "head" for the mollusk. With regard to Feeding the words in evidence were "leaf" and "mangrove" for Brachuyra and "mangrove" and "wood" for Mollusca, while for Reproduction “stay” and "female" and "no" and "to know", respectively. In general, the results showed that the respondents have more knowledge about the ecology of the invertebrates they use as food and generate income, such as mangrove crab (Ucides cordatus) and sururu (Mytella sp.). In fact, the estuarine-coastal extractivists who use mangrove resources of the Caeté-Taperaçu Extractive Reserve have rich local ecological knowledge about the invertebrates associated with this ecosystem, mainly when considering the different characteristics analyzed as the place where they are found (habitat), their appearance (morphology), feeding, and reproductive behavior, which is most often compatible with existing scientific knowledge about the taxa respondents report

The present study uses new media and technologies as a didactic resource in order to verify its effect on learning, taking into account the previous knowledge of the students of the 5th year of Elementary School of public schools in rural areas in the municipality of Bragança-Pará. The field research was carried out at two schools located in the surroundings of mangrove areas, where the practice of extractivism is part of the daily life of local inhabitants. A questionnaire with essay questions was used to access previous knowledge about the content of "Ecology", using as theme the mangrove ecosystem. In the following phase, students were submitted to a formal lesson on this content and tested, then the same procedure was performed after displaying the animation on the same content. The results of Friedman's analysis of variance for both schools presented a significant difference (Fr=10.2; df=2; p<0.01) between the three research phases. Regarding the two moments of knowledge acquisition ("formal" and "animation"), the post hoc analysis between the "animation" phase and the "formal" phase showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for both schools. In addition, there was an increase of around 20% of right answers from the "formal" to the "animation" phase. This means a relevant gain in learning about the proposed theme, emphasizing that the use of a pedagogical resource based on traditional knowledge has a greater effectiveness and a better contribution to learning. This implies a substantial improvement of the student's performance on the proposed theme, emphasizing that the use of a pedagogical resource based on traditional knowledge has a greater effectiveness and a better contribution, positively reflecting on student learning.

The present study had as objective to study the spatial variability of density, diversity and reproductive patterns of Decapoda crustaceans, as well as the environmental complexity and habitat use of the species for the definition of priority conservation areas. For that, quarterly collections were made between October 2013 and August 2014 in the rainy season (December to August) and dry season, using the most common fishing trap in the region and quite directed to the capture of prawns Palaemonidae, the matapi. A total of 13407 specimens were collected, distributed in 6 families, where a high species richness was observed, especially in the rainy season, classifying the area sampled as high to very high conservation priority. Relative abundance, which was obtained by catch per unit area in number (CPUAn) and in biomass (CPUAb), reflected high and very high priorities in the northernmost portion of the study area. As for habitat use, it was noted that the region of the islands studied is mainly used a nursery more intensely in the dry period. The highest values of percentage of reproduction were observed in the southern portion of the sampled area in the two seasons. The great majority of the captured species was classified as
omnivorous and the highest number of trophic guilds was observed during the rainy season. The abundance and biomass curves elucidated that the islands of Cotijuba and Combu translate greater environmental sensitivity and the size spectra, which showed that the majority of the captured individuals were below 20 mm in length of the carapace, translating almost all the studied area as high priority to conservation. Knowing the intense use of matapis in the studied region, the information obtained in this work can still be used as a basis for the management of the use of this trap as a measure of conservation of crustacean stock, especially the target species such as Macrobrachium amazonicum. In this context, the methodology applied using the SIG tool enabled the generation of maps that allowed to visualize scenarios that can be worked on in a more specific way, considering the particularities of each location.

Freshwater stream biodiversity has declined due to habitat degradation and organic pollution, especially in urban areas. Biomonitoring with benthic macroinvertebrates complements water quality assessment, especially where pollution is organic. Benthic macrofaunal structure was assessed in urban and rural lowland tropical streams using artificial substrates in the rainy and dry periods of 2011, 2012 and 2015/2016 in São Miguel do Guamá, Pará, northern Brazil. Among 45 taxa, 81% of abundance was represented by Naididae and Tubificidae, both indicators of urban streams, and Chironomidae, which dominated throughout the study. The macrofauna is less diverse in urban streams with low dissolved oxygen, low pH and high conductivity, and degraded riparian habitat. Diversity is higher in the rainy period and in rural streams, with greater habitat and food availability, and low levels of habitat degradation, respectively. Families with the greatest abundance in the rural zone were Ampullariidae, Hydrachinidae, Elmidae, Hydroptilidae, Polycentropodidae, Ephemerellidae, Leptophlebiidae, Metretopodidae and those exclusive to the rural zone were Palaemonidae, Hydropsychidae, Limnephilidae and Ephemeridae. Rural streams have lower environmental variation, superior biological water quality and rank-abundance curves that are more equitable than in urban streams. No seasonal differences in macrofaunal structure occurred as abundances of the three dominant taxa were similar in both periods, however, some families like Corduliidae (urban zone), Brachycentridae, Leptoceridae, Mollanidae e Synlestidae (rural zone), were exclusive to the rainy period and the family Calopterygidae occurred only in the dry period. Artificial substrates sample a more abundant and diverse macrofauna than bottom sampling, and are thus more efficient at biomonitoring habitat degradation and organic pollution in tropical lowland streams.

Considering the social, economic and ecological importance of the genus Mugil, this research was structured in two chapters. The first chapter aimed to evaluate the performance of linear morphometry in discriminatins among of species of the genus Mugil from the Brazilian North coast. Samples were taken from November 2011 to July 2014, on the Peninsula Ajuruteua-PA and at one point in the Bay of São Marcos-MA. Of the 805 specimens analyzed, 316 were M. curema, 273 M. brevirostris, 33 M. incilis, 25 M. liza and 158 Mugil spp., from wich, 23 measurements were taken for each specimen. The data were transformed and used as input from principal component analysis (PCA), cross validation and cluster analysis to verify the effectiveness of the characters for identification of Mugilidae. Seven variables best correlations were obtained. Of the five species studied, M. incilis is most eases distinguishable. M. brevirostris and M. spp are very similar. In the cluster analysis, it is possible to observe the formation of two groups, the first formed by M. liza and M. incilis. The cross validation demonstrated high efficacy in the identification from the characteristics selected in the PCA (98.26% with the previous identification). Although they present statistical differences and a high average percentage of individual classifications by species, the macroscopic differences associated with variation in the shape of the species of the genus Mugil are low. The second chapter aimed to identify the main characteristics used by the artisanal fishermen of the Caeté - Taperaçú extractive Reserve, Bragança, Pará, for species identification of the family Mugilidae in the region, seeking to provide tools for the rapid identification of these fish. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to 28 fishermen where, most of whom (65%) have lived in the village since birth and have been involved in fishing for at least 12 years. Eight folk genera were identified by fishermen, among them, 'Mullet', which was the vernacular name most used to define the Mugil genus. Each scientific species has at least two folk genera and one folk specific. Mugil curema, Mugil rubrioculus and M. trichodon had the same definition, 'Tainha chata'. The ethnospecies 'Caica' has been cited at least once for most scientific species. However, this name is more often cited for the species Mugil brevirostris, which is the smallest specie occurring in the Northern region. The main characteristics used by the fishermen were morphological, however of Brazil, behavioral characteristics were also taken into account. Such results should be considered for the elaboration of ethnotaxonomic keys that facilitate the rapid identification of species of the Mugil genus caught in artisanal and industrial fisheries in the region.

This research was structured in two chapters. The first chapter had as objective characterize to the temporal variation of the elasmobranch catches landed in a fishing pole on the north coast of Brazil, and to verify the variables that influence the CPUE fluctuations. Census data of fishing landings were cataloged from April 2008 to October 2010 in 11 ports in the peninsula of Ajuruteua, from semi-structured forms. Vessels and fishing gears were classified into categories that were tested separately and in combination. Were identified five types of vessels and 14 different forms of capture. A total of 2.359 landings were recorded, 789 in 2008, 1,243 in 2009 and 327 in 2010, with a total production of 354 t. For sharks the highest yields occurred in 2009, with medium-sized boats, for rays, the highest production occurred in 2009 in the motorized canoe boat category. The results of ANCOVA indicate that CPUE depends on the variables transformed by logarithm: precipitation, sea days, fishermen, type of vessels and fishing gear category. The decrease in elasmobranch landings over the years in the peninsula of Ajuruteua-PA is perceptible, which apparently occurs in response to a decrease in stocking density. The second chapter aimed to estimate a predictive model of sharks’ production in North/Northeast Brazilian coast. Were cataloged date on production of sharks caught as bycatch of the licensed fishery in the coastal area in the North and Northeast of Brazil, landed in strategic ports of four states of the region between 1995 and 2007. A total of 5,781 landings with a total production of 2,062.69 tons of sharks were registered. The production oscillations are evident in practically all the states, with high production between 1998 and 2000 in the state of Pará, associated to an increase in the number of landings and the fishing effort. The estimated maximum sustainable yield was just over 320 tones for 21,416 days at sea. Judging by the data stipulated for the four municipalities of Pará, the catches are far beyond the maximum since 2009, demonstrating an effort that exceeds the maximum sustainable. Finally, investment in obtaining detailed fishery data should be a priority action in fisheries management. However, in the North region, which includes the state with the largest extractive fish production in the country, it still lacks initiatives of this nature.

The following dissertation has as its research subject the Princesa beach in Algodoal coastal plain, Maiandeua island, Maracanã town, where the evolution of sedimentary processes and topography were investigated aiming to understand a possible pattern in the local coastline variation. The study site is located inside Amazon region, presenting macrotidal regime (varying between 3.8 m and 5.5 m throughout the year), and wave height around 0.4 to 1.3 m. The climate settings arte tropical, warm and humid, presenting temperature variations of 24°C to 32°C and mean precipitation values between 2300 and 2800 mm. Topography data were acquired from SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) data and stratigraphy were inquired from radargrams obtained with GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) investigation along some surveys inside the study area. In this area, the surveys presented good definition in radargrams due to high presence of sandy and dry sediments and it was possible to see variations at the sedimentary pattern, mostly in longer surveys and even better in the survey perpendicular to the coast. Evidences of a transgressive barrier formation were found, inside a relatively stable sea level scenario and after this, a coastline progradation caused by an intense sandy sediment supply carried by the sea. In addition, it is possible to notice the presence of two different sedimentary packs: one made of sand deposited on the shoreface or the backshore by waves and currents and that is responsible for the coast progradation and the Aeolian pack, located where the sand is transported creating sandy sheets that are transgressive toward the continent. These results show a prograding coast scenario with transgressive features, and that has already been observed at other places of Pará’s coast.

This study investigated the macroinvertebrate fauna of meanders with mussel beds along the Caeté river, northern Brazil, in order to determine if there are spatial differences in the macroinvertebrate assemblage structure and identify the physico-chemical variables most strongly associated with macroinvertebrates and freshwater mussel abundance. Macroinvertebrate assemblage structure (abundance, composition, number of families and functional groups), freshwater mussel densities, and physico-chemical variables, were recorded from two meander zones, the meander bend (MB) and the meander centre (MC), with low and high water velocity, respectively. Macroinvertebrate abundance did not vary between zones, but in both zones, abundance was associated with lower values of pH and higher electrical conductivity. Low water velocity in the MB was associated with significantly higher numbers of macroinvertebrate families, functional groups and higher mussel densities, as well as differences in macroinvertebrate composition and lower dominance values. In the MB and MC zones, 28 and 13 families were found, of which 20 and 5 contributed to 98.8% of the total abundance, respectively and 16 were exclusive to the MB zone. Grazers, shredders, scrapers, collectors, piercers, predators and filterers all occurred in MB zones, whereas in the MC zone, only grazers, collectors and filterers were present. Additionally, values of organic matter content and silt were greater in the MB. Surprisingly, there were no differences in the macroinvertebrate assemblage among areas with different mussel densities, showing that even where mussels are scarce, their presence is important for the maintenance of aquatic diversity. In the Caeté river, habitats with low hydrodynamic energy in meanders are important for taxonomic and functional diversity of macroinvertebrates, as well as mussel bed establishment and maintenance.

Colossoma macropomum is an iconic fish from Amazon, regarded as the second largest in South America with remarkable importance in aquaculture. It has been hybridized with other pacu species to produce commercial interspecific hybrids in aquaculture, such as tambacu. Nonetheless, the functional genomics of this species remains largely unknown once no genome data is available and information about their transcriptome is very limited. Therefore, the research aimed to characterize the transcriptome of differentiated tissues in Amazonian species C. macropomum, in comparison with its hybrid tambacu and to identify the miRNAs present in the liver and skin of the species, by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The NGS platforms used correspond to 454 Roche and Illumina (HiSeq 2000 and 2500), using the De novo strategy for the assembly of the transcriptome. The dataset was evaluated using computational programs to check the quality of sequences, the functional annotation of the trancripts and the categories of Gene Ontology (GO), as well to evaluate the expression levels of microRNAs identificated and interaction of target genes. The results of Gene Ontology (GO) showed that the majority of transcripts were related to the domain biological processes. We identified several transcripts shared among the three tissues, but overexpressed tissue-specific genes were identified using P and Log2 Fold Chang values. Most transcripts were associated with known functions such as immune system, growth, pigmentation, reproduction among others, while other could not be characterized functionally. The differential analysis revealed that the most expressed and overexpressed transcripts were highly distinctive between both lineages, which can be taken into account for management of these organisms. In the network of interaction of the most expressed miRNAs, we observed a greater connection of the target genes to the signaling pathways associated with metabolic and transcription processes, both represent important pathways for the development and maintenance of organisms; Since the metabolic processes are associated with the with degradation and synthesis of substances and the processes of transcription allow the formation of the RNA molecule determinant for the protein synthesis. The present study highlights the high resolution of both platforms to the discovery of genes in non-model species and marks the beginning of many works that can be developed aiming at the management and conservation of the species.

At the end of meroplanktonic development, the transitional stage of megalopa is responsible for populating and maintaining the decapod population in different habitats and trophic conditions. This study aimed to experimentally evaluate the nutritional vulnerability in the transition from meroplanktonic life stage and investigate the consequences of larval nutritional stress for juvenile development in Brachyura crabs. The first experimental study (Chapter II) showed that although megalopae of S. curacaoenseand S. rectumhave great resistance to long periods of starvation, the range of food unavailability effects is lower in S. curacaoense, not affecting the development period until metamorphosis. Both species were also able to successfully reach the juvenile stage after a short initial feeding period of 1 or 3 days, in which demonstrated distinct ability to reduce development time to metamorphosis. In general, both species showed a low nutritional vulnerability, indicating little need for food or feeding activity during the settlement and metamorphosis. It was interpreted so that this capacity could substantially benefit the chances of survival for juvenile benthic associated with lower development period in the plankton, avoiding the negative effects of delay of larval metamorphosis in subsequent stages of juvenile crabs. In the second experimental study (Chapter III) it shown that survival rates of megalopae of Uca cumulantaare affected during relatively short periods of nutritional deprivation and the occurrence of negative effects on the development period did not depend on the starvation period only, but also the time of exposure to it. In addition, it was noted that the megalopae require long feeding periods to achieve a high percentage of metamorphosis. It was estimated so that during the pre-metamorphic development the larvae showed an intermediate level of dependence on food availability. Furthermore, it was shown that the larval nutritional deprivation might affect the development of the early stages of juvenile crabs of U. cumulanta. The latent effects or negative effects transferred from the pre-metamorphic stage reduced body size off newly metamorphosed juveniles, as well as influencing the periods of changes to the second juvenile stage. The nutritional stress was able to affect the size and increment in some subsequent juvenile stages, demonstrating that different feeding conditions in the pre-metamorphic stage of the megalopae may promote a variation on juvenile development. The last experimental study (Chapter IV) showed that megalopae of U. cordatusmay resist relatively long periods of food unavailability, but the survival rate is reduced progressively followed by increase in developmental delay period until the metamorphosis to juvenile crab. Moreover, the larvae showed high ability to morph after a short feeding period (3 days). Nutritional vulnerability analysis indicated that megalopae have low need for food and may thus guarantee greater autonomy for the location of suitable habitat for settlement and metamorphosis in the benthic environment. However, when the megalopae lived for short feeding periods, it was found that also may occur to produce latent effects resulting in reduced body size of the newly metamorphosed of U. cordatus.

This work aims to provide information about the spatial-temporal variation Ajuruteua beach’s morphodynamics, from monitoring the beach during neap and spring tides under distinct climatological conditions. Four campaigns had been realized to obtain hydrodynamic, morphological and sedimentological data during July 2013, September/October 2013, November/December 2013 and March/April 2014. These campaigns happened during the neap to spring tidal transition, under equinoctial and non-equinoctial periods. Tide and wave sensor (TWR-2050) was settled at around 1.7m deep over low tide to gather information of tidal rise, wave height, wave energy and wave period. The sensor to wave data was scheduled to obtain 512 measurements at a frequency of 4 Hz during 10 minutes. Values of tidal rise were revised according to the mean reduction level (2.75 m), provided by Department of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN), Salinópolis anchorage. Topographic surveys were realized four times, always arranged perpendicular to coastline, starting at the dunes or urban boundary and ending at 1.5 m deep in low tide conditions, which makes possible to calculate the topographic gradient. At the same time, topographic measurements and sampling of superficial sediment were realized (405 samples) and afterwards analyzed at a laser granulometer (divided by a ½ ɸ range). Offshore wave data (wave height, wave energy and wave period) as well as wind direction and velocity were obtained from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), North equatorial station – 41041 (14°19'43" N 46°4'55" W), during the sampling period. Results show that the months with lowest precipitation levels were August 2013 and January 2014, and the less rainy trimester was October, November and December presenting precipitation levels not higher than 2 mm, 29°C of temperature and maximum wind speeds of 9 m/s.February and May 2014 were the most rainy months presenting precipitation values over 400 mm, low mean temperatures (26 and 27 °C) and wind speeds around 6 m/s. Wind direction was predominantly NE, but other wind directions were also registered. Lowest wave height Hso were registered in September 2013 (~ 2 m) and highest in December 2013 (~ 4 m). Water level rise at Ajuruteua varies from 4 to 6 m. Smaller variations were observed in July (non-equinoctial period with low speed winds), while the higher rises were obtained during equinoxes (Mach/April and Septemper/October) and during non-equinoctial periods but presence of intense wind speeds (December). Because of the presence of sandy banks and bars close to Ajuruteua beach, offshore waves are modulated, before reaching the coastline, by tidal rise. During low tide, offshore waves break at the sandy banks and bars and do not reach the surf zone, resulting in a low energy nearshore environment. The presence of sand banks also causes tidal asymmetry, spending 7 hours leaking and 5 hours flooding. This difference is even bigger when the tidal range is higher e.g. during an equinox and non-equinoctial period with high wind speeds. At these cases, the beach may hold, for some hours, wave height lower to 0.5 m. Regarding to granulometry, the grain size varied from 2.1 to 2.7 ϕ (fine sand). Statistically, the grains presented symmetrical distribution, varying from well sorted to moderately well sorted and from platicurtik to mesocurtik. Bigger variations both in short (days) and mid (months) terms occurred at surveys P1 (in more intense way) and P2 (less intense). In general, the beach presented features of a beach modified by tide, when tidal rise was higher than 2 m and of tidal plain when tidal rise was less than 2 m high.

This study presents a new analysis of environmental factors potentially controlling vegetation changes in sandy coastal plains with dunes. Our study focuses on the changes of herbaceous vegetation along a topographic gradient between mean high water level and the margin of dunes, as well as on the associated abiotic factors, during 16 months. Two sampling sites were chosen at a dune area near Vila Bonifácio, Ajuruteua peninsula, Bragança, Pará, Brazil. At each site, groups of wells were installed at the high water line, at the dune margin and at intermediate elevations in between; each group of wells reached three different depths. Water level fluctuations and ground water salinity in wells were monitored. Sediment samples were taken between surface and 50 cm depth in different positions along the high water level/dune gradient for determination of grain size parameters, water and organic matter content and pore water salinity. Dynamics of the herbaceous plant communities were monitored by estimating per-species vegetation cover in 1 m² plots along two transects between high water level and dune, next to the wells. Topographic elevation of groups of wells and vegetation plots was determined. Ground water level, apart from responding to rain fall seasonality, corresponded to the topographic gradient (low elevation: water level near sediment surface) and to distance from the high water line (influence of tidal pulse diminishing). Water salinity in wells showed highest values close to the high water line and smaller values next to the dune. Distinct salinity values between wells of different depths indicated the existence of a fresh water layer on top of a saline wedge in the ground water body near dunes. Water content, organic matter and salinity where significantly related to topography and sediment depth. Species occurred at the same elevation range in all transects. Species associated with the more saline part of the area (by tidal influence) formed a group separated from the species occurring at higher elevations. The studied species therefore limit themselves to a certain niche by their salinity tolerance. Dominance of some species at certain elevations led to the formation of visually distinct zones, however, well-defined groupings of species did not emerge in the region less exposed to the saline environment. During the dry season, vegetation cover was reduced. This indicates that the level of the freshwater horizon is the limiting factor for the herbs at higher elevations. Our results may serve as indicators for vegetation changes due to climatic change, especially different rain fall regimes and tidal level oscillations.

The Amazon rainforest is the largest and most diverse in the world however this forest is as diverse as it is unknown. Even after centuries of research the richness and geographical distribution of animal and plant groups remain poorly studied. A considerable part of biodiversity is being affected by human activity and has been raising concern on the part of the scientific community that has proposed actions aimed at the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity through the creation of a robust database on the wealth and distribution of organisms in this ecosystem. One of the various zoological groups poorly known in this region are the Harvestmen (Opiliones). These animals are harmless to humans and also unknown to the general public due to their cryptic and nocturnal habits. They live commonly on the leaflet, under rotting trunks and rocks between roots, within holes, in low vegetation and inside caves. Harvestmen is one of the 11 orders of the Arachnida Class and the monophyletic group is well accepted by specialists. It presents the third largest species richness with about 6400 spp behind only the orders of Acari and Araneae. They are cosmopolitan (except Antarctica) and have greater diversity in tropical regions where their greatest diversity is recorded for the Atlantic Forest. However, the knowledge of the Amazonian harvestmen is still poor. The few studies carried out in this region are concentrated in the Solimões-Rio Amazonas river gutter, in the FLONA of Caxiuanã and in the localities near Belém. Therefore, there is a notable lack of studies aimed at the diversity of the opilions in this region. This work presents two studies aimed at the knowledge of this order of arachnids in the state of Pará. In the first work a preliminary inventory of opiliofauna from the Belém Endemism Area is presented. This area is the smallest of the eight areas of endemism present in Amazonia, conceived after Almost two centuries of studies and discussions about the patterns of distribution of biodiversity occurring in the Amazon. In the work were sampled eight locations scattered throughout the Endemism Area. The results could be compared to three standardized inventories for the region. It was observed that the diversity of species recorded in the present study is similar to those presented in previous works carried out in neighboring regions such as Pinto-da-Rocha and Bonaldo 2006, Tourinho 2007 and Bonaldo et al 2009. In detail, new patterns of distribution, species contribution and new records of the distribution of some species and genera were found. The preliminary list with 31 species was also offered for the area registered in the standardized samplings of this work. Finally, the main difficulties for the initial studies of the fauna of opilions for the region are discussed. In the second study is described a species collected in the largest cave in the region, the Paraíso Cave. The new species belongs to the genus Guerrobunus and to the family Phalangodidae. This is an important record since both the genus and the family do not have valid records for South America, besides this is a troglomorphic species that presents strong evidence of being a troglobite specie. In this way it will be the first species of troglobitic harvestmen for the state of Pará and the Paraíso Cave that besides a new record also happens to automatically have a status of maximum relevance adding strength for its conservation.

Among tidal courses, tidal channels are very relevant as connections between estuaries, and between estuaries and other coastal environments, distributing water, sediment, salt, nutrients, organisms and even contaminants. The Muriá Channel is located at the Curuçá district at the northeast of Pará state (Brazilian Amazon), connecting Curuçá and Mocajuba estuaries. Its visual characteristics suggest a structural control, in association with neotectonics, within the reactivation of NE-SW and NW-SE faults during the Neogene and Quaternary. Therefore, its morphology, sedimentology and hydrodynamics would be fundamentally different of other tidal channels that connect estuaries at the Amazonian Coastal Zone (ACZ), especially at the wide coastal plains at the Bragança-Viseu marginal basin. In this context, the present work aimed to characterize the hydrodynamics and morphosedimentology of this channel, on the basis of measurements on water level and current velocities, salinity, turbidity and suspended solid concentrations (SSC) along the channel. Bathymetric measurements were also carried on. Further, 41 bottom samples were collected for sedimentological characterization. Results have showed that longitudinal variations of salinity, SSC, and current velocities are small, however variations are substantial between spring and neap tidal cycles. The tide is flooding from the Curuçá to the Mocajuba estuary, presenting an almost symmetrical behavior, which is related to the deepness of the channel and consequent large cross-sectional areas. Bottom sediments are poorly sorted and asymmetric, varying from very negative to very positive asymmetry. Mean grain size is fine sand, but grain size distributions include different subpopulations, within muddy sediments from the mangroves, fine to very fine sands from the inner shelf, and coarser sands and gravel, from the erosion of the basement. Hydrodynamics and sedimentology seem to be controlled by the channel structure/morphology, which is characterized by a deep and straight channel (sinuosity of 1.0852), being narrower in the middle portion. The differences of current velocity and SSC between spring and neap tides suggest that finer sediments are settling during neap tidal cycles, but are resuspended during spring tides, explaining the permanence of high depths of the channel, but does not explain the existence of the channel itself, where the prevailing flows are not able to excavate the gravelly basement at the area. The Muriá represents an important connection between the local estuaries and its characteristics reinforce that its formation and evolution is influenced by neotectonics.

The cachandiá (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer X Leiarius marmoratus) is a hybrid recently introduced in Brazilian fish farming with few studies related to nutrition.Thus, this study aims to evaluate food efficiency, produxtive performance, body indices, centesimal composition, physiological and the hematological profile of cachandia juveniles fed diets containing different levels of inclusion of the phytotherapic Camellia sinensis. The experiment lasted 90 days, in which 150 fish (14.96 ± 2.4 g) were divided into a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replicates. The C. sinensis leaves were ground and added to the diet ingredients, so that each diet was supplemented with 0.0; (Control) 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 g.kg-1 of green tea. The experiment lasted 90 days, with 150 fish (14.96 ± 2.4 g) divided into a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replicates. The leaves of C. sinensis were ground and added to the diet ingredients, so that each diet was supplemented with 0.0; (Control) 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 g.kg-1 of green tea. The productive performance, food efficiency and the hepatosomatic, vicerosomatic index, carcass yield, and fat-viscerosomal index were not affected (p> 0.05) by the inclusion of green tea in dieta of cachandia juvenile. There was no effect (p> 0.05) of inclusion levels of green tea in the diet on the humidity, ashes and body protein of cachandia juveniles. On the other hand, both the corporal lipids and hepatic were influenced (P <0.05) with the inclusion levels of green tea in the diet. Lower levels of corporal lipids and hepatic were observed in fish fed with all diets supplemented phytotherapeutic. There was a significant effect of green tea in the inclusion levels of diets on glycemia and total protein. The glycemia values were reduced with the increase of the inclusion of green tea in the diet, whereas for total protein there was increase. The contentes of triglyceride and cholesterol levels were not affected (P> 0.05) by the addition of different levels of inclusion of the phytotherapeutic green tea in the diets of cachandiá juveniles. Regarding the hematological variables, there was no significant effect of inclusion levels of green tea in the dietary on the hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. There was significant influence (P <0.05) only for the number of erythrocytes and mean corpuscular volume. The results obtained for cachandia juveniles were positive, since they acted to reduce the lipid content in muscle and liver, besides promoting the reduction of glucose and the increase of total proteins. There was significant influence (P <0.05) only for the number of erythrocytes and mean corpuscular volume.

Belonging to the diversified family of neotropical pimelodids, the gender Hypophthalmus Cuvier, 1929 is currently composed of four species of freshwater catfish: H. marginatus; H. edentatus; H. fimbriatus; and H. oremaculatus. These species are known popularly as maparás and they occur in the main rivers and tributaries of the Amazon Basin, in Orinoco, in rivers of Guyana and Suriname, and in the case of H. oremaculatus also in the Paraná Basin. These pimelodids have median size and are easily identified due to the elongated body, totally smooth and the presence of wattles mentonian and jaws. They are migratory species and have featured on the continental fishing in the Amazon region. This study aimed to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships among the species of the gender, by sequencing mitochondrial regions (Cytochrome Oxidase C subunit I - COI) and nuclear (Gene Activator Recombination 2 - RAG2, Gene encoding the heavy chain of the α-myosin - Myh6, Gene adenoma Pleomórfico- like 2 - Plagl2 and Gene glycosyltransferase - GlyT) of 42 individuals collected from different rivers of the Amazon Basin and the Paraná.Parsimony analysis, Likelihood, Bayesian Inference and tree species confirm the monophyly of the genre. All analyzes supported the close relationship between H. edentatus and H. oremaculatus, and some results indicated hybridization between these taxa. However, it was not possible to define the relationship between the clade H. edentatus/H. oremaculatus with other species of the genus. All analyzes showed two lineages reciprocally monophyletic within H. marginatus, supported by a high statistical support and similar genetic divergence or greater than among the species of Hypophthalmus. The two lineages occur in sympatry and are not differentiated by apparent morphological characteristics, suggesting cryptic speciation for the taxon. These results suggest the need for taxonomic revision to the description and validation of new species within H. marginatus identified by this work.

Os cianideos são um grupo diverso e amplamente distribuído em regiões tropicais, subtropicais e temperadas do globo. Todos os trabalhos corroboram a monofilia da família, porém não existe um consenso entre as relações intergenéricas e interespecíficas dentro do grupo, é o caso da subfamília Stelliferinae. O presente trabalho utilizou marcadores de DNA mitocondrial e nuclear para avaliar as relações filogenéticas entre os gêneros de Stelliferinae e testar a hipótese de especiação de Ophioscion punctatissimus. Foram geradas árvores filogenéticas baseadas em 3711 pares de bases do DNA mitocondrial (rDNA 16S e COI) e nuclear (Rodopsina, EGR1 e RAG1), com 14 espécies representantes de cinco dos seis gêneros da subfamília Stelliferinae (Bairdiella, Corvula, Odontoscion, Stellifer e Ophioscion). Todos os resultados confirmam a monofilia da subfamília Stelliferinae e demonstram que Bairdiella/Corvula/Odontoscion são proximamente relacionados e é grupo irmão do clado Stellifer/Ophioscion. Os resultados também apoiam a não monofilia de Stellifer e Ophioscion, no entanto as relações interespecíficas destes gêneros não foram plenamente elucidadas. Dentro de Ophioscion, foi observada a separação de duas linhagens de O. punctatissimus que também é corroborada pelas análises filogeográficas e populacionais, sugerindo que estas são espécies distintas. Um dado interessante é que a linhagem I O. punctatissimus é mais próxima de O. scierus do oeste do Pacífico que da linhagem II de O. punctatissimus. Os eventos de diversificação do tempo do ancestral comum recente (TMRCA) do clado O. scierus/O. punctatissimus LI e O. punctatissimus LII data de 2,8 Ma, enquanto o tempo do TMRCA do clado O. scierus/O. punctatissimus LI data de 1.2 Ma, ambos os processos de cladogênese podem estar associados à formação do Ístmo do Panamá, ocorrido há cerca de 3 Ma. Estes resultados nos levam a sugerir que os táxons dentro de O. punctatissimus tenham se originado de ancestrais distintos e, devido à similaridade morfológica, uma das linhagens foi identificada erroneamente como O. punctatissimus.

In recent years, Macrobrachium amazonicum has become an increasing popular species for shrimp farming operations, due to its rapid growth, high survival rates, and popularity with consumers. A number of studies have focused on the development of new technology for the farming of the species, although most aspects of its nutrition and physiology are still largely ignored. Given this, the present study aimed to obtaintranscripts of putative genes that codify digestive enzymes, based on a library of the cDNA of the hepatopancreas of M. amazonicum, sequenced in the Ion TorrentTM platform. Fragments of nine genes were identified as digestive enzymes, acting on different substrates, i.e., proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The presence of endo- and exoproteases was also recorded in the hepatopancreas, indicating the existence of a system prepared for the digestion of protein-rich foods. In addition, the enzymes for the digestion of carbohydrates formed the largest functional group in M. amazonicum, with enzymes related to the digestion of starch, chitin, and cellulose. These findings indicate that the species is adapted to a diet rich in proteins and carbohydrates, with nutrients of both animal and plant origin, which may provide important insights for the selection of ingredients for the formulation of a diet more appropriate to the enzymatic complex of M. Amazonicum.

The current phylogenetic framework for the South American Hyriidae is solely based on morphological data. However, freshwater bivalve morphology is highly variable due to both genetic and environmental factors. The present study used both mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and nuclear (18S-ITS1) sequences in molecular phylogenetic analyses of nine Neotropical species of Hyriidae, collected from 15 South American rivers, and sequences of hyriids from Australia and New Zealand obtained from GenBank. The present molecular findings support traditional taxonomic proposals, based on morphology, for the South American subfamily Hyriinae, currently divided in three tribes: Hyriini, Castaliini and Rhipidodontini. Phylogenetic trees based on COI nucleotide sequences revealed at least four geographical groups of Castalia ambigua: northeast Amazon (Piriá, Tocantins and Caeté rivers), central Amazon, including C. quadrata (Amazon and Aripuanã rivers), north (Trombetas river), and C. ambigua from Peru. Genetic distances suggest that some specimens may be cryptic species. Among the Hyriini, a total evidence data set generated phylogenetic trees indicating that Paxyodon syrmatophorus and Prisodon obliquus are more closey related, followed by Triplodon corrugatus. The molecular clock, based on COI, agreed with the fossil record of Neotropical hyriids. The ancestor of both Australasian and Neotropical Hyriidae is estimated to have lived around 225 million years ago (Mya). Triplodon corrugatus is a freshwater bivalve (Hyriidae) endemic to the Amazon-Orinoco basins. Our understanding of hyriid diversity at, and below, the species-level, remains poor. The genetic diversity of T. corrugatus from the Tapajós, Amazon, Tocantins, Irituia and Piriá rivers in the north-eastern Brazilian Amazon was investigated. Except for the Irituia, where a single COII-COI haplotype had been fixed, all the other populations had medium to high haplotype diversities, and all populations had low nucleotide diversities. Irituia is an impacted river which urgently needs habitat restoration in order to re-establish gene flow and mussel genetic diversity via host fish dispersal. Pairwise fixation indices indicated that all populations were structured, except for comparisons between the Tapajós and Amazon, and the Amazon and Tocantins rivers, which may be explained by a stepping-stone model of migration. AMOVA detected that 81.28% of the variation was among populations. However, STRUCTURE analyses corroborated only the Piriá river specimens as a distinct population, which is being maintained by allopatry due to the current isolation between the Piriá and the Amazon and Tocantins basins. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a west to east dispersion of T. corrugatus along the Amazon river.

The Eleotridae family consists of 35 genera and approximately 155 valid species widely distributed in estuarine and freshwater environments of the Neotropical, Africa e Indo-Pacific regions. The knowledge of the species on their ecological, behavioral and genetic contexts is still neglected, especially concerning cryptic species of the Eleotris genus, namely liable to errors based on taxonomic identification. Given this scenario, this thesis has as a first purpose to assess the genetic diversity of the cryptic species of the Eleotris genus, applying genetic analysis based on the COI gene and on two nuclear fragments. The results identified two new cryptic lineages from five locations of the Brazilian coast, with genetic differences indicated by high divergence values and statistical support. The Neotropical Eleotridae were included in a few phylogeny works based on mitochondrial DNA, and the resulting phylogenetic relationships had substantial inconsistencies among each other. Thus, the second purpose was to fill the Neotropical Eleotridae phylogeny based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences. Through the analysis, it has been suggested Microphilypnus as a sister-group of the other Eleotridae from the Neotropical region, and it has been identified a well-supported clade that emerged the paraphilia of Gobiomorus regarding Hemieleotris, in addition to the close relationship of Calumia godeffroyi and Bunaka gyrinoides species with the Eleotris of the Neotropical region. The estimated diversification time for the origin of the Neotropical Eleotridae corresponded to the Miocene, and endured the initial differentiation of approximately 17,7 million years for the separation of Microphilypnus from the other Eleotridae. The third approach of this thesis has been related to the Neotropical region as an area of endemism of Eleotridae species, which are widely distributed on this biogeographic zone. Therefore, the purpose was to evaluate the molecular diversity of the species based on the COI gene, using both sequences produced for this study and those deposited on the genomic repositories Bold and GenBank. The results revealed the formation of 23 clades, in which were observed the formation of two different lineages of the Gobiomorus dormitorspecies, three divergent lineages of Dormitator maculatus, three lineages of Eleotris fusca and 3 different lineages of Microphilypnus, all sorted by high bootstrap values, posterior probability and nucleotide divergences. I accomplish this study, pointing out that the members of the Eleotridae family are objects of research that are still poorly investigated, and that this thesis presents the first improved genetic researches about this family in the Neotropics, which was able to discover potential new species, as well as phylogenetic relationships not yet reported in previous studies

With the aim of investigating how the structure and composition of fish assemblages vary over time and which the environmental variables best correlated with temporal variation in fish fauna of different sized streams in five river basins in north eastern Pará state were sampled quarterly between November 2008 and August 2015 using a standardized collection method. The localities were grouped into two size classes (1a to 4a order) for comparison of the responses of the fauna to temporal changes. The majority of the streams in the smaller size class did not present clear seasonal patterns in their hydrological parameters (depth, width and current) while the larger streams showed clear and changes to these variables during the year with regular pattern observable between years. Despite the hydrological differences between the streams of different size classes the fish assemblages were relatively stable between the years, but the intensification of human activities in the stream environment can change this temporal stability. The lower order streams also tend to have little seasonal variation in the structure and composition of fish assemblages. However, the seasonal variation in abundance and diversity of species increases with increase in the size of the streams.

As florestas de mangue constituem um ecossistema costeiro tropical conhecido pelo seu importante papel ecológico e pela sua alta produtividade primária. Visando promover a proteção dos manguezais e o manejo sustentável dos seus recursos, o reconhecimento e mapeamento de diferentes ambientes e gêneros arbóreos do manguezal apresenta grande relevância ecológica. O objetivo desse trabalho é reconhecer os diferentes ambientes e gêneros arbóreos do manguezal e quantificar sua distribuição espacial, a fim de contribuir com a proteção e manejo do ecossistema manguezal do sistema estuarino Caravelas-Nova Viçosa (RESEX de Cassurubá, Bahia). Para isso, foram utilizadas imagens do satélite RapidEye e dados de elevação (missão SRTM), analisadas a partir da abordagem de classificação de imagens orientada a objetos. Para validação da classificação, foram coletados 407 pontos independentes de verificação (ICPs), dos quais 53 pontos eram do gênero Laguncularia, 114 de Rhizophora e 45 de Avicennia, totalizando 212 pontos coletados na classe floresta de mangue. Foram coletados também 53 ICPs no ambiente de manguezal herbáceo/ecótono, 42 em planícies hipersalinas e 100 em corpos hídricos. A análise de acurácia da classificação dos ambientes costeiros mostrou que dos 407 pontos coletados em campo, 344 foram classificados corretamente, resultando em uma acurácia global de 0,85. Se considerarmos apenas as classes referentes aos gêneros de mangue, que somam 212 amostras, a acurácia registrada é 0,74. O valor do índice Kappa global obtido na classificação dos ambientes costeiros foi de 0,81, enquanto o índice Kappa por classe foi de 0,65 para a classe Laguncularia, 0,77 para Rhizophora, 0,93 para a Avicennia, 0,72 para manguezal herbáceo/ecótono e 0,97 para planície hipersalina. O valor apresentado para o índice Tau foi de 0,82. Esta abordagem mostrou-se eficaz para mapear os diferentes ambientes costeiros, assim como os diferentes gêneros de mangue (Laguncularia, Rhizophora e Avicennia) do ecossistema manguezal. Os resultados obtidos nesse trabalho poderão ser utilizados no manejo sustentável de recursos de importância socioambiental que ocorrem nos diferentes ambientes do manguezal da RESEX de Cassurubá. Esse trabalho também pode ser usado como baseline para o monitoramento da dinâmica e conservação da RESEX de Cassurubá, contribuindo na discussão sobre ampliação dos limites da RESEX, uma vez que parte da área de manguezal mapeada no sistema estuarino estudado está fora dos limites dessa unidade de conservação.

A Amazônia é uma área de grande concentração de biodiversidade. O gênero Rhinella é um representante desta biodiversidade, sendo o mais diversificado gênero de sapos dentro da família Bufonidae. Estes apresentam uma ampla distribuição, estando presente em quase toda a América Latina. O grupo de sapos Rhinella granulosa é composto por 13 espécies, sendo que de acordo com a IUCN, todos são ainda considerados como uma única espécie, e assim, a maioria destas espécies não possui classificações quanto ao seu status na referida lista. No presente trabalho foram utilizados marcadores mitocondriais e nucleares para analisar o padrão filogeográfico da espécie R. major nas duas margens do Rio Amazonas. Foram observados dois grupos de haplótipos mitocondriais, onde não se observou compartilhamento de haplótipos e fluxo gênico. Da mesma forma, evidenciou-se através de análises de reconstrução demográfica um declínio populacional recente na área amostrada. Os presentes resultados somados ao fato de que a região em destaque é altamente impactada por ações antrópicas, reforça a necessidade de que planos de conservações para estes grupos são de suma importância para a conservação desta espécie na Amazônia.

Características fotossintéticas de três espécies arbóreas de mangue: Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae), Avicennia germinans (L.) L. (Acanthaceae), e Laguncularia racemosa (L.) c.f. Gaertn (Combretaceae), foram investigadas entre dois sítios de trabalho com diferentes salinidades na Península de Ajuruteua, costa amazônica brasileira. As campanhas para medições das trocas gasosas foram realizadas entre os meses de Junho a novembro e para acessar a copa das árvores foram utilizadas torres de andaimes a cada campanha. Para a determinação das curvas de A-Ci, utilizou-se um sistema portátil de fotossíntese (IRGA LI-6400XT, LI-COR, Lincoln, NE, USA). Baseado no modelo bioquímico de Farquhar e colaboradores (Farquharet al. 1980, von Caemmerer 2000). Os resultados mostraram que a espécie R. mangle apresentou maiores valores de Ma e menor eficiência fotossintética, enquanto que A. germinans apresentou relação inversamente proporcional entre as variáveis Ma e Vcmax nos dois sítios. A comparação entre os valores das variáveis da assimilação fotossintética das três espécies mostrou a maior eficiência fotossintética para plantas do Furo do Taici, que possui menor média de salinidade. As taxas fotossintéticas de A. germinans foram maiores comparadas com L. racemosa e R. mangle nos dois sítios de trabalho.

As espécies do gênero Macrobrachium apresentam tipos distintos de desenvolvimento larval. Espécies de ciclo longo são tipicamente diádromas e necessitam da água salobra para completar a metamorfose, enquanto que as de ciclo larval abreviado completam o ciclo em água doce e portam grande reserva endógena. Entretanto, M. amazonicum pode completar o desenvolvimento larval em água doce para populações continentais e em água salobra para populações costeiras. Nos dois casos, apresenta ciclo longo, sendo considerado uma exceção. Assim a presente tese teve como objetivo, investigar aspectos morfofisiologicos do desenvolvimento ontogenético de camarões do gênero Macrobrachium da região Amazônica. Foi realizada a descrição da morfologia do sistema digestório da espécie M. acanthurus que apresenta ciclo longo e M. jelskii, de ciclo abreviado. A partir desses dados foi inferido a possível existência de lecitotrofia e funcionalidade desse sistema ao longo do desenvolvimento ontogenético. Além disso, foi levantada a hipótese de que M. amazonicum de uma mesma população genética (costeira da Amazônia) apresenta plasticidade biológica para salinidade em resposta ao ambiente que ocupa. A morfologia do sistema digestório de M. acanthurus revelou ausência de funcionalidade digestiva em zoea I. Nesse estágio os apêndices bucais e estômagos são desprovidos de cerdas ou estruturas rígidas, conferindo comportamento lecitotrófico obrigatório. No entanto, em zoea II há o aumento no número de cerdas nos apêndices bucais e uma clara diferenciação do estômago, com o registro de filtro pilórico em forma de colmeia. Nos estágios subsequentes essas estruturas tornam-se especializadas, evidenciando a capacidade de captura e digestão de alimentação exógena. M. jelskii possui apêndices bucais e estômagos rudimentares e não funcionais em zoea I e II, conferindo comportamento lecitotrófico obrigatório nessa fase. Em zoea III essas estruturas tornam-se mais complexas e funcionais para a alimentação. Esses resultados corroboraram os ensaios comportamentais de ponto de não retorno e ponto de saturação de reserva, que testou a inanição na fase larval e evidenciaram alto potencial endotrófico, com reservas vitelogênicas suficientes para conclusão da metamorfose na ausência de alimentação. Ou seja, em zoea III a lecitotrofia pode ser considerada facultativa. Para as larvas de M. amazonicum foi investigado o comportamento osmorregulatórioem animais oriundos de ambiente de várzea e de estuário. Foram avaliadas a sobrevivência e longevidade de larvas em inanição nas salinidades 0, 2, 5, 10, 20 e 30. Em paralelo foram cultivadas larvas, com fornecimento de alimento, nas salinidades 5, 10 e 20. As larvas mostraram tolerância a água doce em zoea I, independente da origem dos animais, sugerindo uma estratégia para migrarem ao ambiente com influência salina. No entanto, larvas de várzea são capazes de se desenvolver em todas as salinidades testadas, enquanto que as estuarinas não chegam a pós-larvas em água doce. Esses resultados indicam que larvas de M. amazonicum possuem plasticidade biológica, em que as larvas de várzea podem ser facultativamente hololimnéticas e as estuarinas são tipicamente diádromas. Além disso, as larvas originadas de ambiente estuarino apresentaram maior sobrevivência em salinidade 20, sugerindo uma adaptação para ambientes com maior oscilação de salinidade. Além disso, foi visto que em salinidade 5 as larvas de várzea apresentam produtividade maior que 60 PL/L. Já as larvas de estuário revelam maior resistência à maiores salinidades. Os resultados obtidos neste documento de tese fornecem subsídios para adequar o manejo alimentar na fase larval de M. jelskii e M. acanthurus, assim como promover redução de custos quanto ao uso de água salgada natural ou artificial no cultivo de M. amazonicum.

As espécies Rhinellamarina, Rhinella schneideri e Rhinella jimi são amplamente distribuídas na América do Sul, fornecendo uma excelente oportunidade para se investigar de híbridização. Estudos recentes têm sugerido um padrão de introgressão unidirecional do mtDNA de R. schneideri para populações de R. marina no sul do Rio Amazonas. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo principal o estudo de zonas de contatos e hibridizações entre estas espécies. Foram analizados 207 indivíduos coletados em 17 localidades, configurando um transecto entre os do Maranhão, Tocantins e Goiás. Foi realizada uma abordagem em larga escala usando sete loci de microssatélites, seis SNPs diagnósticos e um caractere morfológico espécie específico. Primeiramente, foram detectados padrões de introgressões ao longo do Cerrado, onde alelos de R. marina foram detectados em populações de R. schneideri. No entanto, uma análise mais ampla demonstrou que estas populações de R. schneideri eram na verdade a espécie R. jimi. Foram observadas fortes discordâncias entre os dados moleculares e morfológicos, onde a presença deglândulacloacal (caracter específico de R. jimi) foi detectada emindivíduosgeneticamenteidentificadoscomoR.jimieR.schneideriamostradosao sul noslimites dobiomaCerrado. A área de introgressão observada foi de cerca de ≈450 km de comprimento, na qual indivíduos de R. jimi compartilham alelos típicos de R. schneideri em um ou mais loci, sendo que híbridos F1, F2 e Backcrosses recentes foram encontrados apenas em uma área estreita próxima das regiões de Palmas e Taquarussu. Da mesma forma, uma análise envolvendo várias populações na margem sul do Amazonas mostrou que existe na verdade uma espécie críptica relacionada ao R. schneideri na Amazônia. Esta espécie encontra-se em diversas localidades em simpatria com R. marina e sinais de hibridizações foram encontrados. De uma maneira geral, os resultados mostram que potenciais espécies crípticas tendem a mascarar os sinais de hibridizações, e assim, o presente estudo demonstrou que a inferência de processos evolutivos entre estas podem enviesar os resultados e conclusões.

Esta pesquisa foi realizada em dois ambientes amazônicos: o estuário do rio Caeté e o rio Cereja, ambos localizados no município de Bragança-Pará-Brasil. Estes ambientes são influenciados por fatores naturais e antrópicos, como a descarga de esgoto in natura, lançado diariamente nestes corpos hídricos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos negativos do crescimento populacional e a falta de saneamento básico na qualidade da água do estuário do rio Caeté e do rio Cereja, através de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. No estuário do rio Caeté, as estações de coletas foram definidas de acordo com os locais de saída de esgoto e ocupação antrópica (de Bragança à comunidade do Caratateua), enquanto que as estações do rio Cereja foram definidas de acordo com o grau de ocupação antrópica às margens do rio (desde a região próxima a nascente até a sua foz), sendo as coletas realizadas em diferentes condições climáticas. No estuário do rio Caeté foram realizadas quatro campanhas em marés de sizígia, sendo coletadas 22 amostras de água em cada campanha, em 11 estações de amostragem. No rio Cereja foram realizadas três campanhas em seis estações de amostragem. As amostras de água foram utilizadas para análises de clorofila a, pH, nutrientes dissolvidos e totais, e coliformes termotolerantes. Durante as coletas, foi utilizado um CTDO para medir dados de temperatura da água, salinidade, turbidez, oxigênio dissolvido e taxa de saturação de oxigênio. Em seguida, estes parâmetros foram enquadrados na resolução CONAMA, para o corpo de água a qual se destinam. Os índices tróficos foram determinados pelo TRIX (estuário do rio Caeté) e IET (rio Cereja). Além disso, foi realizado um cálculo de produção per capita de efluentes para estimar a quantidade de esgoto lançado diariamente no estuário do rio Caeté. Análises estatísticas foram realizadas para verificar possíveis interações entre as variáveis hidrológicas e microbiológicas. Mapas foram construídos a fim de mostrar os principais tipos de uso e os impactos observados no estuário do rio Caeté e do rio Cereja. Os parâmetros no estuário do rio Caeté e do rio Cereja variaram em função da climatologia, das condições naturais e antrópicas. Os resultados mostraram baixas variações de temperatura e pH nos dois períodos sazonais e entre as estações. A turbidez permaneceu elevada durante a pesquisa no estuário do rio Caeté, devido à forte influência hidrodinâmica, associada ao despejo de esgoto, enquanto que no rio Cereja, a turbidez foi mais elevada nas estações de coleta mais contaminadas. A redução da precipitação ocasionou um aumento da salinidade das águas do Caeté, principalmente nas estações com maior influência marinha. O oxigênio dissolvido foi mais elevado na estação seca (maior hidrodinâmica), enquanto que no rio Cereja as águas estiveram sob condições de hipóxia. As concentrações de nitrogênio inorgânico, nitrogênio total e fósforo orgânico foram mais elevadas nas estações localizadas nos setores mais urbanizados, enquanto os demais nutrientes dissolvidos foram mais abundantes nas estações de maior salinidade. No caso do rio Cereja, as concentrações de nutrientes aumentaram de acordo com o grau de ocupação antrópica. A contaminação por coliformes termotolerantes nos ambientes estudados foi maior nos setores mais urbanizados da cidade. O Caeté apresentou nível trófico elevado, devido às condições naturais e antrópicas que favoreceram ao aumento de nutrientes e clorofila a, enquanto o rio Cereja apresentou condições mesotróficas de eutrofização. O lançamento de esgoto no estuário do rio Caeté é maior no setor urbano da cidade, onde a produção de esgoto é elevada. A ausência de saneamento básico e de uma rede de esgoto no município de Bragança, associada ao aumento da população são os principais fatores que contribuem para a contaminação e degradação dos corpos hídricos estudados. Para tanto, ações de intervenção são necessárias para mitigar os problemas referentes à qualidade das águas do estuário do rio Cereja e do estuário do rio Caeté.

A pesquisa intitulada “Análise da percepção dos extrativistas estuarino-costeiros sobre o zoneamento da extração do caranguejo-uçá (Ucides cordatus) e da madeira nos manguezais da RESEX-Mar Caeté-Taperaçu, Bragança, costa amazônica brasileira” ocorreu no período de março de 2012 a março de 2015. O objetivo foi compreender as formas de apropriação e uso desses dois recursos dos manguezais da referida costa, assim como zonear suas principais áreas intensificadas pela exploração. A coleta foi realizada a partir da percepção dos extrativistas estuarino-costeiros (n=80), com idade acima de 18 anos. A partir de então, foram realizadas entrevistas por meio do instrumento questionário, com perguntas (semi)estruturadas para traçar o perfil de apropriação e uso desses recursos como atividades produtivas. Pôde-se identificar que existem cerca de 700 pessoas que praticam a pesca do caranguejo-uçá como a principal atividade produtiva nos manguezais da RESEX-Mar. Identificou-se também que os extrativistas estuarino-costeiros são especializados em mais de uma atividade produtiva. A escolaridade desses atores sociais foi considerada baixa e suas atividades produtivas ligadas ao ecossistema de manguezal ocorrem o ano todo, com exceção no período do defeso do caranguejo-uçá, e, parte da produção é destinada à comercialização. Os mesmos percebem alguns impactos negativos com relação ao extrativismo nos manguezais da referida RESEX-Mar. Todavia, inferem indicativos de recuperação como replantio das áreas degradadas e coleta sistemática dos resíduos sólidos. Porém, fatores como a falta de oportunidades formais de emprego e a baixa escolaridade, fazem com que percebam como a única alternativa de renda, a prática do extrativismo nos manguezais. Importante achado foi o zoneamento de 32 áreas de pesca intensiva do caranguejo-uçá e, 20 áreas de corte da madeira de mangue nos manguezais da RESEX-Mar. As zonas de exploração do caranguejo-uçá (n=32) foram georreferenciadas e plotadas no Programa ArcGis e gerados mapas, assim como a caracterização das áreas por meio dos fatores fácil e difícil acesso. Nessas áreas, abria-se uma parcela de 100m x 25m, depois a dividia em quatro parcelas (25 x 25m) e realiza-se a contagem das galerias. Em seguida, os espécimes pescados para a comercialização eram medidos (largura da carapaça), num total de 150 indivíduos por área, o que totalizaram 4.800 indivíduos. Os resultados apresentaram que as áreas de fácil acesso (FA) são as que possuem o menor caranguejo-uçá (> 6,0 cm e < 7,3 cm), e, portanto as mais intensificadas na exploração, enquanto que as áreas de difícil acesso (DA) possuem o maior caranguejo-uçá (≥7,3 cm). Analisado esse resultado pela Regressão Logística, demonstrou-se ser bastante significativo, onde existe a probabilidade de aproximadamente 92% de ocorrer o caranguejo-uçá grande nas zonas de DA e 25% nas zonas de FA. No geral, o tamanho médio do caranguejo-uçá na península é de 7,3 cm de largura da carapaça. Os extrativistas estuarino-costeiros identificaram as 20 principais zonas de corte da madeira de mangue, o que foi possível georreferenciá-las, a considerar as três principais espécies de mangue da península de Ajuruteua Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia germinans e Laguncularia racemosa. Em cada zona de corte, abria-se uma parcela de 10m x 10m, para retirar as medidas dos atributos estruturais dos bosques de mangue, tanto das árvores vivas quanto dos troncos cortados. A partir de então, foi possível determinar a intensidade de corte para cada uma das três espécies de mangue, assim como gerar um índice de corte (I_c) para os manguezais da RESEX-Mar de Bragança, com a identificação do grau de impacto (baixo, médio e alto) desse corte. Nesse sentido, a espécie arbórea com maior audiência de corte foi a Laguncularia racemosa, seguida pela Avicennia germinans e a Rhizophora mangle, justificada o uso como as espécies preferidas para a confecção de currais de pesca. O I_c revelou que os manguezais da RESEX-Mar Caeté-Taperaçu está submetido ao médio impacto, com predição ao alto se continuar o corte com a mesma audiência encontrada por este estudo. Por fim, os resultados e discussão permitiram a inferência de que alguns indicadores de conservação e manejo capazes de minimizar a pressão que ora passa esses manguezais dessa RESEX-Mar. Esses indicadores versam para a oferta de oportunidades de alternativa de renda, reconhecimento e regulamentação por parte dos órgãos governamentais da categoria pescador do caranguejo-uçá para acesso aos direitos previdenciários, à saúde, à aposentadoria e à escolarização específica para os extrativistas estuarino-costeiros, a considerar o ciclo sazonal de suas atividades produtivas.

A espécie Habia rubica é uma ave neotropical pertencente à família Cardinalidae, sendo amplamente distribuída, pode ser encontrada desde o México na América do Norte até o sul da América do Sul. Atualmente são descritas 17 subespécies para este táxon, sendo por isso considerada uma espécie politípica. Recentemente, um trabalho com dados moleculares propôs a divisão em três filogrupos profundamente divergentes, tendo sido apontado a existência de subespécies. No presente estudo foi realizado análises filogeográficas com 80 indivíduos, 68 oriundos do bioma Amazônico e 12 da Mata Atlântica, por meio de marcadores de sequencias mitocondriais (COI, Cit b e ND2) e nucleares (Mio-int2, G3pdh-int11 e β-fibint7). Dentre os resultados obtidos, confirmaram a idéia de que populações desses dois biomas representam táxons distintos, sendo que no grupo da Mata Atlântica foi observada a subdivisão em dois subgrupos filogenéticos que não coincidem com a descrição das duas subespécies descritas para esta região, estando um dos subgrupos relacionado a uma área de refúgio descrita para a Mata Atlântica. Em relação às amostras da Amazônia, foi refutada a ideia da existência das três subespécies, visto que as populações amazônicas de H. rubica podem ser subdivididas em apenas dois grupos, distribuídos um a ocidente e outro a oriente no bioma Amazônico, sendo este padrão de distribuição provavelmente relacionado a eventos ocorridos no período do Mioceno no qual a região oriental teria mantido seus sistemas de deposição mais estáveis enquanto que o Ocidente experimentou uma história sedimentar mais dinâmica. Estes eventos geológicos pode ter sido responsável pelas diferenças na paisagem que também podem ter atuado na diferenciação das populações de H. rubica na Amazônia. Os dois haplogupos amazônicos apresentam ainda uma região de simpatria que coincide, em parte, com uma zona de hibridização descrita para os interflúvios dos rios Tapajós e Teles pires, resultado provável do processo de expansão populacional como evidenciado também pelos resultados de demografia.

A pescada-goete, Cynoscion jamaicensis, é um membro da família Sciaenidae que apresenta ampla distribuição, habitando fundos lamosos e arenosos desde o Panamá e Antilhas até a costa da Argentina. Contudo, ao longo de sua área de ocorrência existem diferentes características oceanográficas, climáticas e geomorfológicas que podem influenciar na conectividade entre as suas populações. Portanto, o presente trabalho utilizou uma abordagem multilocus, com marcadores mitocondrial (região controle) e microssatélites (seis locos) para avaliar a estrutura genético-populacional e filogeografia da espécie ao longo do Atlântico Sul ocidental. A diversidade genética foi de moderada a elevada para todas as populações ao nível do DNA mitocondrial, mas baixa heterozigosidade foi registrada para as populações ao sul o que pode ser devido à pressão pesqueira sofrida pelos estoques ao sul. Os resultados revelam sub-divisão populacional entre populações do norte (Amapá e Pará) e do sul (Bahia ao Rio Grande do Sul) da distribuição avaliada, o que pode estar associado às adaptações ecológicas dos grupos às condições ambientais distintas nas suas áreas de ocorrência. Avaliações de história demográfica sugerem que os grupos ao norte e ao sul passaram por expansão populacional, que teria ocorrido no Pleistoceno, provavelmente resultado das oscilações climáticas que promoveram alterações nas condições hidrológicas e na disponibilidade de habitats para espécies marinhas e costeiras no Atlântico Sul ocidental. Por fim a existência de dois grupos geneticamente diferenciados ao longo da área avaliada faz necessário que estes sejam manejados como unidades distintas para garantir o potencial evolutivo das populações e da espécie.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar as variações sazonais (período seco e chuvoso) e interanuais (entre os anos de 2012 e 2013) da comunidade zooplanctônica, em três estações de amostragem na baía de São Marcos (Ilha de São Luís, Maranhão), de modo a elucidar os padrões temporais e espaciais de variação destes organismos e suas inter-relações com as variáveis hidrológicas e climatológicas. A temperatura da água, a salinidade, o pH e as concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido foram obtidas através de um sensor multianalisador. O zooplâncton foi coletado através de arrastos horizontais na subsuperfície da água com auxílio de uma rede cônica de plâncton com malha de 120 µm. Os resultados demonstraram a ausência de diferenças espaciais nas variáveis abióticas e bióticas analisadas durante o estudo, atribuída à pequena distância entre as estações de coleta (cerca de 1 km). Por outro lado, foram observadas variações temporais nos dados abióticos e na densidade das espécies dominantes em função dos diferentes períodos sazonais e diferentes anos de estudo, as quais foram conduzidas pelas oscilações da salinidade que é influenciada diretamente pelos níveis de precipitação. A variação sazonal da densidade zooplanctônica variou entre 93±90 ind/m³ (período seco) e 1.785±2.768 ind/m³ (período chuvoso). Nos diferentes anos de estudo, a densidade total do zooplâncton, no ano de 2012, oscilou de 71±55 ind/m³ a 2.559±3.575 ind/m³ e, no ano de 2013, a densidade variou de 24±20 ind/m³ a 2.208±3.703 ind/m³. As espécies mais representativas, em termos de densidade, foram os copépodos Paracalanus quasimodo, Euterpina acutifrons e Oithona oswaldocruzi. Organismos meroplanctônicos, como larvas de poliquetas, apresentaram elevadas densidades durante os períodos de maior precipitação. Um processo de sucessão foi observado na abundância relativa dos principais táxons, pois no período seco houve a substituição de P. quasimodo por E. acutifrons e de larvas de poliquetas por outros indivíduos do meroplâncton, como por exemplo, larvas de cirrípedes, moluscos e outros crustáceos. Durante o presente estudo, destacou-se a dominância de organismos costeiros. Tal dominância foi decorrente da contribuição de águas marinhas, as quais determinaram o caráter alcalino das mesmas nas diferentes estações de amostragem. De forma geral, os níveis de precipitação foram inferiores aos observados na média histórica. A composição e a distribuição temporal da densidade dos organismos zooplanctônicos na baía de São Marcos estiveram diretamente relacionados à pluviometria local, a qual pode ser considerada a principal responsável pela consequente oscilação das variáveis hidrológicas, tais como a salinidade, sendo esta última o fator controlador da dinâmica destas comunidades no ambiente em estudo.

O peixe boi marinho (Trichechus manatus), atualmente classificado como em perigo e vulnerável, conseqüência de fatores antrópicos passados e atuais, intensificado pelo considerável número de encalhes principalmente de filhotes. A região nordeste tem os maiores índices de encalhes no Brasil, conseqüência de suas áreas de estuário e manguezal estarem bastante degradadas. Este trabalho buscou caracterizar geneticamente a população da costa leste do Ceará e Oeste do Rio grande do Norte, e inferir sobre a estruturação populacional e grau de relacionamento entre os indivíduos encalhados. Foram analisados 37 indivíduos entre filhotes e adultos e amplificado dez loci microssatélites amplamente utilizados em análises populacionais para essa espécie. Foi constatada uma baixa diversidade genética, com média de 3,2 alelos/locus e heterozigosidade média de 0.381. Não foi observada estruturação ao longo da área estudada. A análise de relacionamento entre os indivíduos, não foi capaz de definir a relação entre a maioria destes (57,5%). Entretanto dentre as estimativas suportada pelas análises foi possível observar que a grande maioria dos pares analisados apresenta algum grau de parentesco (34,4%), enquanto somente 4,1% das díades foram de indivíduos não aparentados. A ausência de informações sobre possíveis pais, assim como a baixa diversidade genética desta população parecem ser os principais causadores dessa elevada taxa de relacionamento inconclusivo. O elevado número de indivíduos aparentados pode ser resultado de população pequena, que concorda com as hipóteses de gargalo de garrafa relatado para a espécie. No presente estudo também foi possível refutar a hipótese de gêmeos monozigóticos entre os indivíduos analisados, sendo sugerido que se trata de gêmeos dizigóticos. Além disso, também foi confirmado o caso de duplo encalhe de um mesmo filhote. Dentre os indivíduos mantidos vivos, foram identificados os que apresentam maiores divergência genética, sendo esta informação relevante para direcionar o processo de reintrodução dos mesmos.

Macrodon é um gênero da família Sciaenidae. Até a última década tinha uma única espécie com ocorrência ao longo do Atlântico Sul Ocidental, Macrodon ancylodon, com uma distribuição desde a Venezuela à Argentina. Entretanto, dados moleculares revelaram a existência de duas espécies para esta área, como produto de especiação alopátrica. Assim, a atual área de ocorrência de M. ancylodon se estende da costa da Venezuela ao nordeste do Brasil, estado da Bahia, enquanto que a nova espécie, revalidada como M. atricauda distribui-se desde a costa do estado do Espirito Santo, Brasil, até a Argentina. No presente trabalho, utilizando marcadores mitocondriais e nucleares, avaliou-se a estrutura populacional e filogeografia de M. ancylodon, com o intuito, principalmente, de testar a hipótese de diferenciação genética para esta espécie ao longo de sua área de ocorrência, uma vez que análises prévias sugeriram subestruturação populacional. Os resultados baseados em dados mitocondriais mostraram a existência de dois estoques genéticos, denominados de grupos A e B, com uma sútil diferenciação entre os dois grupos. O estoque "A" inclui as localidades da Venezuela, Amapá, Pará e Piauí, e "B" inclui Pernambuco, Sergipe e Bahia. A diferenciação em dois estoques parece ser consequência da ramificação da corrente sul equatorial. Sobre a diferenciação dentro de cada estoque, os resultados indicam que o grupo A pode ter sofrido redução populacional seguida de expansão. Já para o grupo B, pode-se inferir que seja reflexo do pequeno tamanho amostral da população de Pernambuco, uma vez que outros testes não corroboram esse padrão. Para os dados nucleares, apenas o FST para o intron Miostatina revela uma possível diferenciação entre a Venezuela e as demais localidades amostradas. As demais análises recuperam uma população panmítica ao longo de sua distribuição. As análises com os dados nucleares não excluem a existência dos dois estoques, como mostrados pelo gene Cytocromo b. A explicação é que os loci nucleares possuem coalescência mais ancestral em relação ao DNA mitocondrial, sendo assim, podem não evidenciar processos recentes de separação de linhagens.

Os peixes podem ser utilizados como biomarcadores de qualidade ambiental de ecossistemas aquáticos por apresentarem respostas fisiológicas à ação de agentes estressores como forma de reestabelecer a homeostase ambiental. Foram escolhidos dois ciclídeos do gênero Cichla spp e Crenicichla spp, pois ambos sãobiomarcadores ambientais por serem carnívoros de topo e não exercerem movimentos migradores. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a qualidade da água em áreas impactadas (Barcarena) e conservadas (Abaetetuba), assim como, identificar possíveis implicações nas alterações fisiológicas e hematológicas desses dois gêneros em ambientes impactados e preservados. As coletas foram realizadas nos igarapés Curuperê-Dendê, considerado impactado, e no rio Arapiranga, preservado. No capítulo I, verificou-se a influência da sazonalidade regional e antrópica sobre as variáveis limnológicas dos igarapés Curuperê-Dendê e do rio Arapiranga. Os igarapés sofreram maior influência do desmatamento das matas ciliares, rejeitos industriais e dos efluentes domésticos da comunidade local. Os igarapés Curuperê-Dendê apresentaram temperatura, pH, condutividade e turbidez mais elevados que o rio Arapiranga. As concentrações de oxigênio dissolvido e de fósforo foram maiores no mês de transição chuvoso/seco. A concentração de N-amoniacal foi maior no período seco. No capítulo II, verificou-se as possíveis alterações fisiológicas e hematológicas nos gêneros Cichla spp e Crenicichla spp causadas pelos diferentes métodos de captura. Utilizou-se a linha e anzol, rede de emalhar e tarrafa para a captura dos peixes e verificou-se que a rede mostrou inadequada para captura, pois ativa o eixo hipotálamo-hipófise-células interrenais e o eixo hipotálamo-sistema nervoso simpático-célualas cromafins, desencadeando uma série de respostas secundárias que interferem na homeostase. No capítulo III, avaliou-se as possíveis alterações fisiológicas e hematológicas em peixes destes gêneros causadas pelos impactados ambientais ocorridos no igarapé Curuperê-Dendê. As variáveis abióticas, turbidez e temperatura foram as que mais estressaram e alteraram as variáveis fisiológicas e hematológicas destes peixes, principalmente a hemoglobina, CHCM, hematócrito e eritrócito.

Os efeitos dos fitoterápicos tem sido amplamente estudado em rações para animais terrestres, sendo inexistente trabalhos com o objetivo de melhorar o desempenho e a composição corporal de espécies de peixes nativos do Brasil. Desta forma, com este estudo objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a composição corporal de alevinos de tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes concentrações de extrato de chá verde, Camellia sinensis. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e três repetições. Foram utilizados 300 alevinos, divididos igualmente em 15 caixas de 300L, mantidos em sistema de recirculação e temperatura constante. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de cinco dietas experimentais, incluindo a dieta controle, contendo 0,00; 0,05; 0,30; 0,55 e 0,80 g/kg (extrato fenólico de chá verde por Kg de ração). As rações foram ofertadas aos alevinos duas vezes ao dia, na proporção de 5% do peso vivo, durante 90 dias. Ao final do experimento, após jejum de 12 horas, os peixes foram contabilizados, pesados e medidos para determinação dos índices de desempenho. Em seguida, os peixes foram eutanasiados e eviscerados para a determinação dos índices hepatossomáticos, viscerossomáticos e rendimento de carcaça. Posteriormente, determinou-se a composição corporal, assim como as variáveis de retenção de proteína e lipídio. Os dados foram submetidos a uma ANOVA (P<0,05) e, em caso de significância, foi aplicado o teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Não houve influência significativa (P>0,05) dos níveis de polifenóis de chá verde sobre as variáveis de desempenho, assim como para os índices hepatossomático, viscerossomático e de rendimento de carcaça. Observou-se efeito significativo sobre a diminuição do lipídio corporal e hepático e aumento do teor proteico. Também houve efeito significativo sobre a retenção de lipídio corporal, no qual os peixes alimentados com as dietas que continham as concentrações de 0,55 g e 0,80g de extrato de chá verde apresentaram menor retenção de lipídio corporal. Assim, conclui-se que a inclusão de 0,55 g de extrato de chá verde/kg de ração diminui a gordura corporal e hepática, assim como promove o aumento dos níveis de proteína corporal de alevinos desta espécie.

As espécies de bivalves de água doce da ordem Unioniformes apresentam grande variabilidade morfológica, o que dificulta sua correta identificação, comprometendo a eficácia de programas de monitoramento e conservação. Medidas morfométricas clássicas, ou seja, comprimento, altura e espessura da concha, são geralmente insuficientes para distinguir populações e/ou espécies. Estes problemas podem ser superados utilizando um método morfométrico geométrico, que permite a análise da forma geral do indivíduo de forma mais detalhada, independentemente do seu tamanho. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a variação na forma das conchas das espécies de Prisodontini, Triplodon corrugatus, Paxyodon syrmatophorus and Prisodon obliquus entre diferentes rios do leste da Amazônia no estado do Pará, Brasil. Foram selecionados 22 landmarks distribuídos no contorno e interior da concha. As análises morfométricas mostraram que a forma das conchas difere significativamente entre espécies e entre indivíduos da mesma espécie. As maiores diferenças ocorreram entre os indivíduos dos rios Tapajós, Amazonas e Tocantins, que possuem uma forma mais achatada dorsoventralmente, em comparação com os indivíduos de Trombetas, Irituia e Piriá, que possuem uma forma mais arredondada. As maiores variações nas conchas ocorreram nos landmarks 1 (projeção alar anterior), 4 (extremidade do processo alar anterior dorsal), 6 (margem posterior) e 7 (margem ventral). Os dados obtidos sugerem que a morfologia de Triplodon corrugatus, Paxyodon syrmatophorus e Prisodon obliquus pode ser influenciada pelas características do fluxo de água de cada hábitat, uma vez que as conchas apresentaram características que são normalmente observados em mexilhões de água doce a partir de ambientes lóticos e lênticos.

Upogebia vasquezi é a uma das espécies mais abundantes dentre os talassinóideos (Axiidea e Gebiidea) da costa amazônica, sendo uma espécie-chave na cadeia trófica aquática na região. A despeito da sua importância, muito pouco é conhecido sobre a sua ecologia, principalmente em relação à biologia larval e reprodutiva. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi descrever os estágios de desenvolvimento larval e analisar o efeito da salinidade sobre os estágios larvais de U. vasquezi, além de estimar os parâmetros de dinâmica populacional, a produção secundária e a taxa de renovação da população adulta dessa espécie na região estuarina amazônica. As fêmeas ovadas para os experimentos de desenvolvimento larval em laboratório e os espécimes para o estudo de dinâmica populacional e produção secundária, foram coletados na zona entremarés da região estuarina de Marapanim, Pará, Brasil. Em relação ao desenvolvimento larval, Upogebia vasquezi passa por quatro estágios de zoea e uma megalopa, assim como a maioria das espécies de Upogebia. As principais variações morfológicas interespecíficas encontradas entre as zoea de U. vasquezi e as congêneres, foram o padrão de segmentação do endópodo antenular e número de estetos, o número de cerdas no escafognatito e a presença ou ausência de palpo mandibular. Os resultados relativos à análise do efeito da salinidade sobre o desenvolvimento larval de U. vasquezi em laboratório, e da abundância larval em ambiente natural ao longo de um gradiente estuarino salino, forneceu informações sobre a estratégia reprodutiva adotada pela espécie na região. Tanto os resultados obtidos em laboratório quanto in situ, indicam que as condições ótimas para a sobrevivência larval de U. vasquezi são de salinidades intermediárias e elevadas (20 – 35). Portanto, indicam que possivelmente essa espécie adota estratégia de exportação larval das águas estuarinas, com re-invasão das megalopas para assentamento, assim como o padrão mais comumente relatado para Upogebia. A capacidade de completar o desenvolvimento larval em salinidades intermediárias é de suma importância para a dispersão das larvas de U. vasquezi na extensa Plataforma Continental Amazônica, caraterizada pela flutuação sazonal da salinidade regida pelo regime pluviométrico. Com o estudo de dinâmica populacional, verificou-se que U. vasquezi teve menor comprimento máximo teórico e maior constante de crescimento em relação às congêneres, de latitudes mais elevadas. Por outro lado, a expectativa de vida estimada para a maioria das espécies foi relativamente próxima, independentemente da latitude. A produção estimada para U. vasquezi foi relativamente próxima a de outros talassinóideos. Por outro lado, a taxa de renovação foi maior (P/B = 2,14), indicando um rápido crescimento individual e maior frequência de indivíduos de tamanhos menores/intermediários na população. Upogebia vasquezi foi o primeiro decápode que teve a produção secundária e taxa de renovação estimados na região equatorial, e também a primeira estimativa para o ambiente de praia estuarina da costa norte brasileira.

O gênero Scinax (Anura: Hylidae) possui atualmente 114 espécies descritas, ampla distribuição, e sua diversidade está associada a diferentes habitats que suas espécies podem ocupar, desde áreas abertas até florestas. Dois clados de espécies são reconhecidos nesse gênero: Scinax catharinae, com a maioria das espécies ocorrendo na Mata Atlântica, e Scinax ruber, com ampla distribuição em diferentes biomas. Neste trabalho analisamos geneticamente espécies de Scinax que ocorrem em diferentes biomas brasileiros. As análises citogenéticas das espécies pertencentes ao clado Scinax ruber, demonstraram o número diploide de 2n=24 cromossomos e número fundamental de FN=48. A região organizadora de nucléolo foi identificada na maioria das espécies no cromossomo 11, característico das espécies pertencentes ao clado S. ruber, contudo as espécies da região amazônica Scinax garbei e Scinax boesemani apresentaram a marcação no cromossomo oito. Verificamos diferenças cromossômicas na espécie S. eurydice, nas populações da Bahia e de São Paulo. A identificação molecular confirmou a presença de uma espécie candidata pertencente ao clado S. catharinae na porção sudoeste do Cerrado brasileiro, na Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso. Na Mata Atlântica a presente análise reconheceu 16 espécies de Scinax, e destas, cinco foram consideradas espécies candidatas (UCS e DCL). Os morfotipos Scinax sp.1, Scinax sp.2 e Scinax sp.3 foram confirmadas e foi revelado a existência de duas espécies crípticas na espécie nominal Scinax argyreornatus. Na região amazônica 17 espécies foram identificadas, através do DNA barcode, destas oito são espécies candidatas (UCS e DCL) e cinco espécies foram observadas em áreas ainda não relatadas. Espécies crípticas foram detectadas nas espécies nominais S. garbei e S. nebulosus, que pelas análises genéticas formaram três e cinco agrupamentos, respectivamente. As espécies S. chiquitanus, S. proboscideus, além de táxons ainda não descritos, identificados em estudos anteriores, foram reconhecidos em áreas ainda não relatadas da região Amazônica. Duas espécies candidatas foram reveladas nesse trabalho: Scinax sp. 4 e Scinax sp. 5. A estrutura genética e o processo de diversificação de diferentes populações da espécie Scinax x-signatus foram estudados, e os dados revelaram três grupos de populações com ausência de fluxo gênico entre estes. O primeiro grupo foi formado por amostras coletadas em diferentes localidades da Caatinga (CAA) e Mata Atlântica (MA), e o segundo e o terceiro grupo foram formados por amostras da Amazônia, localidades de Bragança e Capanema (AM G1) e Santarém, Alter do Chão e Soure (AM G2). Possivelmente o fluxo gênico entre os grupos CAA+MA e Amazônia foram interrompidos devido às diferenças ambientais entre esses biomas (mais significativas do que as diferenças entre a Caatinga e Mata Atlântica), e além disso, evidenciamos o isolamento das populações amazônicas, AM G1 e AM G2, devido a uma barreira geográfica (Rio Tocantins). Os resultados desse trabalho comprovam a eficiência das ferramentas genéticas na identificação de espécies em áreas endêmicas do Brasil.

O estudo da divisão sexual do trabalho na cadeia produtiva do mexilhão Mytella charruana em Vila Nova, Bragança – PA foi desenvolvido no período de julho de 2013 a fevereiro de 2014 a janeiro de 2014, com o principal objetivo de analisar a participação e a valorização da mulher nas atividades desse processo. Para tal optou-se por duas  categorias de análise:  comunidade tradicional e divisão sexual do trabalho, tendo como fundo a cadeia produtiva do mexilhão Mytella charruana. A pesquisa seguiu os princípios do método qualitativo, tendo como amostra dez famílias, que foram selecionadas em função de organizarem as atividades de extração do molusco num mesmo local. Usou-se como instrumento metodológico a técnica efeito bola de neve, para identificação das lideranças e formação do grupo amostral; a entrevista, o questionário, a conversa informal, a observação participativa, além de registros fotográficos. A investigação resultou na identificação do trabalho da mulher e do homem na cadeia produtiva: coleta, catação e comercialização do mexilhão Mytella charruana, concluindo-se que a partir do momento que o produto começou a ser inserido no mercado, o homem ficou responsável pela coleta, pela fase inicial e final da catação e pela comercialização do molusco, cabendo a mulher o preparo do espaço para o recebimento do produto após a coleta, a limpeza de cada molusco, a catação de resíduos depois da primeira peneiragem, da organização da catação revisada de cada concha para retirada de possível massa retida, somando às atividades domésticas cotidianas. Embora o trabalho da mulher, a higienização rigorosa no trato do mexilhão seja considerado o diferencial para a preferência dos compradores da região, a maior valorização é dado ao trabalho do homem, considerado o mantenedor da casa. Foram avaliadas as diferenças no comprimento da concha de M. charruana entre os meses estudados, onde houve diferenças significativas entre janeiro e fevereiro (p < 0,05). A investigação apontou para indícios de exploração desordenada desse recurso natural, que precisa de normatização e cuidados para o manejo, a fim de assegurar a manutenção do estoque.

O setor oriental da Zona Costeira Amazônica (ZCA) é caracterizado principalmente por um regime de macromarés, chuvas abundantes e um baixo relevo. Existe uma extensa planície costeira, que inclui vários estuários (como o Taperaçu), planícies de maré, praias influenciadas por maré e grandes florestas de mangue desenvolveram-se principalmente durante os últimos cinco mil anos, como resultado da estabilização do nível do mar, ou uma grande redução no aumento da velocidade durante o Holoceno. Com a estabilização no Holoceno do nível do mar na ZCA, o suprimento de sedimentos da plataforma continental, empurrado em direção à costa pelas ondas e marés, tem gradualmente preenchido os estuários, especialmente quando a descarga fluvial é particularmente baixa, como o Taperaçu. Neste estuário, o processo de preenchimento, ainda em curso, é notável em sua porção superior, a qual já foi convertida em pântanos e campos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar este processo de preenchimento da cabeceira do estuário Taperaçu, com base em furos e perfis de sub-superfície, usando o sistema chamado "Rammkernsonde” (RKS) e o SIR-3000 / sistema de GSSI, respectivamente, somando sete furos e cerca de 40 metros de registro, bem como 3 km de GPR. Foram analisadas a granulometria das amostras de sedimento (75 amostras) e idades (19) de C-14 de pontos estratégicos nas camadas. Como hipótese inicial considerou-se que as cabeceiras do Taperaçu foram preenchidas durante o Holoceno, e que a área seria uma espécie de laguna durante as fases iniciais do afogamento pelo nível do mar da costa. Uma vez que se observa no presente um grande transporte e preenchimento por areia do estuário do Taperaçu, era esperado que o preenchimento das suas cabeiras fosse composto principalmente por areia. No entanto, os resultados revelaram um cenário diferente. Os perfis indicam mistura de areia e lama, muitas vezes em camadas intercaladas, associada à circulação de maré em ambiente estuarino, canais e planícies de maré / manguezal. Em geral, os sedimentos eram compostos por 65% de areia e 35% de lama. Além disso, importante discordância de idade foi encontrada dentro do pacote de sedimentos do Quaternário, revelando que o preenchimento é composto de fato por dois envelopes diferentes de lamas de estuário/mangue, sendo o superior do Holoceno e o inferior do Pleistoceno. A lama holocênica inclui normalmente os 5 metros superiores, e sua base foi datada em 7.595 ± 25 a. cal. A.P., e da sua parte superior foi assumida como sendo bastante recente (~ décadas). As lamas do Pleistoceno corresponderiam à Penúltima Transgressão (ou seja, ~120 mil a. A.P.) e várias datações dessas camadas superaram o limite do método de datação do C14 (ou seja, 43.500 a. A.P.). Os resultados como um todo mostraram que durante o nível do mar alto no Pleistoceno, bem como durante toda a estabilização do nível do mar Holoceno a área era semelhante à atual, com um preenchimento gradual do estuário por areias da plataforma interna e lamas (de origem ainda incerta), onde os canais são gradualmente convertidos em manguezais e estes tornam-se pântanos salinos e campos. Além disso, a falta de um verdadeiro rio torna possível preservar parcialmente o preenchimento do Pleistoceno, mostrando que este processo de preenchimento é muito mais complexo do que geralmente é esperado em estuários e, por sua vez, estuários não são simplesmente ambientes efêmeros, mas sim episódicos e recorrentes.

Organismos marinhos com ampla distribuição são excelentes modelos para a o entendimento de padrões de conectividade genética histórica. Lutjanus purpureus, ou pargo, como a espécie é popularmente conhecida, é um Teleósteo marinho pertencente à família Lutjanidae. A espécie distribui- se desde Cuba até o Nordeste do Brasil, sendo frequentemente encontrada sobre fundos rochosos e arenosos. Possui elevada importância econômica, no entanto poucos são os estudos disponíveis acerca da arquitetura genética da espécie. Dos principais objetivos do presente estudo, o primeiro trata do desenvolvimento e caracterização de iniciadores do tipo EPIC, para abordagens populacionais em L. purpureus, e outros teleósteos marinhos. A caracterização de regiões genômicas com polimorfismo suficiente para análises populacionais torna-se fundamental para estudos genéticos com múltiplas regiões não ligadas. Foram obtidos oito iniciadores, boa parte deles possuindo altos níveis de variação genética. Iniciadores EPIC possuem a vantagem de serem aplicáveis em um vasto nível taxonômico, assim estes iniciadores foram testados e amplificados em organismos de outros agrupamentos taxonômicos, portanto um indicativo de que podem ser usuais em abordagens intraespecíficas para vários grupos de peixes marinhos. O segundo objetivo principal foi avaliar questões sobre diversidade genética, demografia e conectividade genética histórica para L. purpureus, utilizando múltiplos loci (DNA mitocondrial e nuclear). Encontrou-se elevados índices de diversidade genética, provavelmente correlacionados a um elevado tamanho efetivo apresentado pela espécie. O pargo aparentemente demonstra elevados níveis de homogeneidade genética ao longo da região estudada, o que é coerente com traços biológicos da espécie tais como desova em mar aberto e desenvolvimento pelágico. Em relação a aspectos da demografia histórica, é apresentado um cenário de crescimento populacional, cujo início é datado de aproximadamente 170 mil anos, sendo esse período congruente com um período de máxima glacial para a região do Atlântico ocidental.

Os cerca de 20 estuários do setor nordeste da Zona Costeira Amazônica são caracteristicamente moldados e tem sua hidrodinâmica controlada pelo regime de macromarés e importantes variações sazonais das descargas fluviais. Por outro lado, as bacias de drenagem associadas a estes estuários, assim como suas descargas fluviais, variam em até 3 ordens de grandeza, desde dezenas até dezenas de milhares de quilômetros quadrados. Neste contexto o estuário do rio Gurupi se destaca com cerca de 35 mil km² de bacia de drenagem e uma vazão média de 472 m³/s. O estuário do rio Gurupi possui poucos estudos apesar de sua grande dimensão e importância (socioeconômica e ambiental). O que motivou o desenvolvimento do presente trabalho, voltado para o entendimento de sua morfologia e hidrodinâmica. Assim, foram realizados levantamentos de dados na estação chuvosa (Abril e Maio) e na estação de seca (Novembro) em condições de maré de sizígia, incluindo levantamentos hidrodinâmicos longitudinais (nível d’água, salinidade e material particulado em suspensão-MPS...) e transversais (velocidade de correntes, vazão, nível d’água, salinidade, MPS...), levantamentos morfossedimentares, assim como análise da bacia hidrográfica do Gurupi. Com relação à hidrodinâmica em geral, pode-se afirmar que o estuário do Gurupi apresenta características típicas de um estuário de macromaré, assim como sua morfologia. Por outro lado, os resultados demonstram uma grande importância da vazão fluvial expressa, por exemplo, em termos da relativa baixa variação sazonal, do domínio de correntes de vazante mesmo durante períodos de seca, e da razão de aprox. 6 da vazão de maré comparada com a vazão fluvial máxima, onde o domínio pleno de maré só seria atingido com razões acima de 10. O domínio de vazante em ambos os períodos sazonais indica que o estuário é um exportador de sedimentos, e explica em grande parte a pouca variação sazonal da batimetria e sedimentologia no setor estudado. Apesar da importância da vazão fluvial, a maré se propaga por mais de 100 km em ambos os períodos, sendo isto controlado pela baixa elevação da maior extensão do canal fluvial. Porém, o incremento de vazão fluvial resulta em uma maior e mais rápida atenuação da maré. Os dados de salinidade e MPS mostram um comportamento típico de estuários de macromaré durante o período seco, com uma marcada formação de Zona de Turbidez Máxima. Porem, durante a estação de chuvas, a vazão fluvial “empurra” a ZTM para a região do funil estuarino e a mesma é bastante atenuada, embora as concentrações médias de MPS sejam muito superiores no período de chuvas. Acredita-se que este trabalho tenha sido bem sucedido na caracterização deste estuário importante, mas até então pouco conhecido, mas também revela a necessidade de continuidade dos estudos envolvendo também condições de maré de quadratura e séries temporais mais longas para se melhor entender o papel da vazão fluvial e suas variações sazonais.

Dipterans can be found frequently in association with animal carcasses, where they participate in the decomposition process, exploiting this organic material both as a source of proteins and for sites used for copulation and oviposition. The blow-flies of the family Calliphoridae are found in almost all terrestrial environments, and their intimate association with animal carcasses provides a valuable asset for studies in forensic entomology. In this study, we present an inventory of the blow-fly species found in two areas, at Sítio Meu Sossego at Fazenda Bom Jesus in the municipality of Soure, in the Brazilian state of Pará. A total of 3567 calliphorid specimen were collected, representing five species: Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius, 1775), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1819), and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830). Two species – C. macellaria and C. albiceps – were most abundant during the rainy and dry seasons at both sites. There was no difference in the composition and abundance of blowflies Calliphoridae between the two areas. The active decomposition stage was the most attractive for most of the species collected.