Page 153 - Наукові записки Державного природознавчого музею, 2023 Вип. 39

150 Мєдвєдєва І. В.,, Козловський М. П., Кагало О. О., Венґжин E.

Miedviedieva I., Kozlovsky M., Kagalo O., Węgrzyn Е.
The bioindicator role of phytonematode groups in the assessment of the state of transformation
of secondary forest ecosystems
The methodology for assessing the state of terrestrial ecosystems using diagnostic properties of soil
microfauna remains underestimated in contemporary Ukrainian science. We have analyzed a
significant amount of foreign and domestic literature to demonstrate the importance of this aspect in
the overview article concerning the monitoring of natural ecosystems. Based on our own research
results, we have shown the outcomes that can be achieved by utilizing the bioindicative properties of a
specific group of organisms, such as phytonematodes. The fundamental principles and methodologies
that should be applied, including using the functional characteristics of phytonematode complexes,
have also been described. For evaluating the state of ecosystems, the most valuable information
pertains to organisms that are widely distributed over a significant territory, have high population
density, play a significant role in ecosystem functioning, and can rapidly respond to environmental
changes. Organisms fitting these criteria can be considered bioindicators. This group of organisms is
sensitive to natural or anthropogenic environmental transformations and can respond to them by
altering their population density, distribution, or specific characteristics. Therefore, the use of soil
animals from specific taxonomic groups as bioindicators has a long-standing tradition. Groups of soil
invertebrates are integral structural components of natural ecosystems, together providing them with
stable development and resilience. Assessment of the functional role of soil fauna in the ecosystem
involves establishing the structural-functional organization of different groups of soil invertebrates,
which differ both morphologically and functionally in the ecosystem and their impact on soil-forming
processes. The use of soil nematodes as bioindicators is promising for evaluating the sanitary condition
of forest ecosystems based on the indicator of energy utilization by trophic groups of nematodes, as
well as for bioindication of soil quality based on the relative ratio of persisters and colonizers. The
zoological method of soil diagnostics was established as a separate scientific direction thanks to the
works of M.S. Gilyarov. This method is based on the presence of certain species of invertebrates in the
soil and the analysis of the structure of their communities. Later, it found practical application in the
research of forest ecosystems. Therefore, nematodes are an effective model group for the indirect
assessment of the zoocenosis’ state.
Key words: structural and functional organization, primary ecosystem, nematode complex, trophic
group.