dr Aleksandra Skawina (Plenipotentiary for equality at the Faculty of Biology)
Research interests
- Evolutionary history of Unionida (and other freshwater mussels)
- Evolution of Unionida adaptation to life in freshwater (including the evolution of their parasitic larvae)
- The (experimental) ecophysiology of Unionida in the context of currently defined global and specific threats for this group
Teaching experience at WB UW
- Biogeography 1400-216BGEO
- Chronobiology 1400-216CHROBI
- The history of life 1400-236 EPŻ
- Ecophysiology of plants and animals 1400-228EKOFRZ
- Physiology and regulation of metabolism 1000-714FRM
- Plant and Animal Physiology 1400-125 FRZ
- Animal and Human Physiology 1400-114FZ
- Neurobiology 1400-226 NBIOL
- Regulation of physiological processes in animals 1400-225FZRP
- Biodiversity 1400-111RB
- Selected issues of human and animal physiology 1400-236WZFCZ
- Zoology 1400-111ZOO
Research projects
ongoing projects
- The early evolution of fossil behavior of Unionida bivalves revealed through the anatomy of their fossilised soft tissues (principal investigator, NCN MINIATURA-23)
previous projects
- 2021-22: IDUB microgrant (Initiative of Excellence – Research University) on the presence of micro and nanoplastics in freshwater ecosystems (leader)
Publications
Skawina, Aleksandra; Dąbrowska, Agnieszka; Bonk, Agata; Paterczyk, Bohdan; Nowakowska, Julita
Tracking the micro-and nanoplastics in the terrestrial-freshwater food webs. Bivalves as sentinel species Journal Article
In: Science of The Total Environment, vol. 917, pp. 170468, 2024.
@article{skawina2024tracking,
title = {Tracking the micro-and nanoplastics in the terrestrial-freshwater food webs. Bivalves as sentinel species},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina and Agnieszka Dąbrowska and Agata Bonk and Bohdan Paterczyk and Julita Nowakowska},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170468},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-02-05},
urldate = {2024-02-05},
journal = {Science of The Total Environment},
volume = {917},
pages = {170468},
publisher = {Elsevier},
abstract = {Micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are currently ubiquitous in the ecosystems, and freshwater biota is still insufficiently studied to understand the global fate, transport paths, and consequences of their presence. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role of bivalves and a trophic transfer of MPs and NPs in an experimental food chain. The food chain consisted of terrestrial non-selective detritivore Dendrobaena (Eisenia) sp., freshwater benthic filter feeder Unio tumidus, and freshwater benthic detritivore-collectors Asellus aquaticus or Gammarus sp. Animals were exposed to different fluorescently labeled micro- and nanoplastics (PMMA 20 μm, nanoPS 15–18 nm, and 100 nm, PS 1 μm and 20 μm, PE from cosmetics) as well as to the faeces of animals exposed to plastics to assess their influence on the environmental transportation, availability to biota, and bioaccumulation of supplied particles. Damaged and intact fluorescent particles were observed in the faeces of terrestrial detritivores and in the droppings of aquatic filter feeders, respectively. They were also present in the guts of bivalves and of crustaceans which were fed with bivalve droppings. Bivalves (Unio tumidus, and additionally Unio pictorum, and Sphaerium corneum) produced droppings containing micro- and nanoparticles filtered from suspension and deposited them onto the tank bottom, making them available for broader feeding guilds of animals (e.g. collectors, like crustaceans). Finally, the natural ageing of PS and its morphological changes, leakage of the fluorescent labelling, and agglomeration of particles were demonstrated. That supports our hypothesis of the crucial role of the characterization of physical and chemical materials in adequately understanding the mechanisms of their interaction with biota. Microscopical methods (confocal, fluorescent, scanning electron) and Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to track the particles' passage in a food web and monitor structural changes of the MPs' and NPs' surface.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Micro- (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are currently ubiquitous in the ecosystems, and freshwater biota is still insufficiently studied to understand the global fate, transport paths, and consequences of their presence. Thus, in this study, we investigated the role of bivalves and a trophic transfer of MPs and NPs in an experimental food chain. The food chain consisted of terrestrial non-selective detritivore Dendrobaena (Eisenia) sp., freshwater benthic filter feeder Unio tumidus, and freshwater benthic detritivore-collectors Asellus aquaticus or Gammarus sp. Animals were exposed to different fluorescently labeled micro- and nanoplastics (PMMA 20 μm, nanoPS 15–18 nm, and 100 nm, PS 1 μm and 20 μm, PE from cosmetics) as well as to the faeces of animals exposed to plastics to assess their influence on the environmental transportation, availability to biota, and bioaccumulation of supplied particles. Damaged and intact fluorescent particles were observed in the faeces of terrestrial detritivores and in the droppings of aquatic filter feeders, respectively. They were also present in the guts of bivalves and of crustaceans which were fed with bivalve droppings. Bivalves (Unio tumidus, and additionally Unio pictorum, and Sphaerium corneum) produced droppings containing micro- and nanoparticles filtered from suspension and deposited them onto the tank bottom, making them available for broader feeding guilds of animals (e.g. collectors, like crustaceans). Finally, the natural ageing of PS and its morphological changes, leakage of the fluorescent labelling, and agglomeration of particles were demonstrated. That supports our hypothesis of the crucial role of the characterization of physical and chemical materials in adequately understanding the mechanisms of their interaction with biota. Microscopical methods (confocal, fluorescent, scanning electron) and Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy were used to track the particles' passage in a food web and monitor structural changes of the MPs' and NPs' surface.
Skawina, Aleksandra
X-rays and invisible sand: two new methods for designing burrowing behavioral experiments with juvenile unionoids Journal Article
In: Hydrobiologia, 2023.
@article{Skawina_23_hydro,
title = {X-rays and invisible sand: two new methods for designing burrowing behavioral experiments with juvenile unionoids},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina},
doi = {10.1007/s10750-023-05362-9},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-20},
urldate = {2023-09-20},
journal = {Hydrobiologia},
abstract = {Unionoids are in global decline, which may be associated with their complex life cycle. Their juveniles are unique because while hidden (burrowed deeply in bottom sediments) they undergo critical anatomical changes (also developing a characteristic juvenile shell sculpture). Currently, the juveniles’ period of life is believed to be both the least known and one of the most vulnerable—thus the possibility of obtaining any biological knowledge is essential for establishing conservation strategies and addressing functional or evolutionary questions. I propose two new methods for visualization of the burrowing behavior of unionoid juveniles within deposits that are cheap and easy: (1) laminated deposits of quartz–aragonite sand for time-stepped X-ray images of bivalve traces, and (2) silica gel serving as 'invisible sand' for direct observations and video recording of behavior within sediments. Both deposits in a pilot study were accepted by the juvenile unionoids—they were stable enough and penetrable, with no observable signs of harmful effects on animals’ behavior during trials. In both, juveniles were clearly visible, settled within the top 1 cm layer of deposits. Both methods are promising tools for future in situ within the deposits research on the biology of this much unexplored and vulnerable unionoids' life stage.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Unionoids are in global decline, which may be associated with their complex life cycle. Their juveniles are unique because while hidden (burrowed deeply in bottom sediments) they undergo critical anatomical changes (also developing a characteristic juvenile shell sculpture). Currently, the juveniles’ period of life is believed to be both the least known and one of the most vulnerable—thus the possibility of obtaining any biological knowledge is essential for establishing conservation strategies and addressing functional or evolutionary questions. I propose two new methods for visualization of the burrowing behavior of unionoid juveniles within deposits that are cheap and easy: (1) laminated deposits of quartz–aragonite sand for time-stepped X-ray images of bivalve traces, and (2) silica gel serving as 'invisible sand' for direct observations and video recording of behavior within sediments. Both deposits in a pilot study were accepted by the juvenile unionoids—they were stable enough and penetrable, with no observable signs of harmful effects on animals’ behavior during trials. In both, juveniles were clearly visible, settled within the top 1 cm layer of deposits. Both methods are promising tools for future in situ within the deposits research on the biology of this much unexplored and vulnerable unionoids' life stage.
De Baets, Kenneth; Huntley, John Warren; Scarponi, Daniele; Klompmaker, Adiël A; Skawina, Aleksandra
Phanerozoic parasitism and marine metazoan diversity: dilution versus amplification Journal Article
In: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, vol. 376, no. 1837, pp. 20200366, 2021.
@article{de2021phanerozoic,
title = {Phanerozoic parasitism and marine metazoan diversity: dilution versus amplification},
author = {De Baets, Kenneth and John Warren Huntley and Daniele Scarponi and Adiël A Klompmaker and Aleksandra Skawina},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-11-01},
urldate = {2021-11-01},
journal = {Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B},
volume = {376},
number = {1837},
pages = {20200366},
publisher = {The Royal Society},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Skawina, Aleksandra
Evolutionary History of Bivalves as Parasites Book Chapter
In: Baets, Kenneth De; Huntley, John Warren (Ed.): The Evolution and Fossil Record of Parasitism: Identification and Macroevolution of Parasites, pp. 153–207, Springer International Publishing, Cham, 2021, ISBN: 978-3-030-42484-8.
@inbook{Skawina2021,
title = {Evolutionary History of Bivalves as Parasites},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina},
editor = {Kenneth {De Baets} and John Warren Huntley},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-42484-8_5 https://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-3-030-42484-8_5},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-42484-8_5},
isbn = {978-3-030-42484-8},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
booktitle = {The Evolution and Fossil Record of Parasitism: Identification and Macroevolution of Parasites},
pages = {153--207},
publisher = {Springer International Publishing},
address = {Cham},
abstract = {Bivalves commonly associate with other organisms, however, examples of true parasitic associations are described only for members of the marine superfamily Galeommatoidea (two species of approximately 500 known species, facultative parasitism) and the larvae of members of the freshwater order Unionida (almost all of 958 known species, obligate parasitism). The evolution toward such a close relationship required establishing a close association with the host's body, resulting in being enclosed within its tissues. Clear adaptations to the host species are observed in both groups. Most galeommatoideans live in soft sediments and are associated with other benthic organisms or their burrows---settlement in a burrow or on/within the host's body protects these little bivalves, while life activity of the host possibly ensures oxygenated water currents with a food source for the bivalve. However, a few recent examples of bivalve settlement within the body cavity of crabs (believed as accidental, nevertheless bivalves feed in the crab's hemocoel), or in the oesophagus of holothurians (common, presumably nutrition from the host is possible) indicate possible pathways for an evolutionary transition from free- or commensal-living to a parasitic lifestyle. Unionoids, large freshwater bivalves, are characterized by their tiny larvae that parasitize fish. This close relationship primarily benefits bivalves through enhanced dispersal abilities, but fish tissues may also serve as a source of nutrients for the larvae. Parasitic association likely established when close and common contact of both associates could happen, thus one may hypothesize a fish that lived close to the bottom of lakes and rivers (including durophagous species) as a likely host at the beginning of their co-evolution. Accidental contact of the larvae with the body of fishes (during predation on bivalves or caused by anti-sinking mucous or the larval threads tangled with fish) could result in increased bivalve dispersal. Subsequently, firmer attachment on fish tissues was acquired, followed by encapsulation of the larva within the host epithelium. This might have allowed for the feeding on host tissues, but required developing resistance to the host's immune system, which might have further strengthened their association.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
Bivalves commonly associate with other organisms, however, examples of true parasitic associations are described only for members of the marine superfamily Galeommatoidea (two species of approximately 500 known species, facultative parasitism) and the larvae of members of the freshwater order Unionida (almost all of 958 known species, obligate parasitism). The evolution toward such a close relationship required establishing a close association with the host's body, resulting in being enclosed within its tissues. Clear adaptations to the host species are observed in both groups. Most galeommatoideans live in soft sediments and are associated with other benthic organisms or their burrows---settlement in a burrow or on/within the host's body protects these little bivalves, while life activity of the host possibly ensures oxygenated water currents with a food source for the bivalve. However, a few recent examples of bivalve settlement within the body cavity of crabs (believed as accidental, nevertheless bivalves feed in the crab's hemocoel), or in the oesophagus of holothurians (common, presumably nutrition from the host is possible) indicate possible pathways for an evolutionary transition from free- or commensal-living to a parasitic lifestyle. Unionoids, large freshwater bivalves, are characterized by their tiny larvae that parasitize fish. This close relationship primarily benefits bivalves through enhanced dispersal abilities, but fish tissues may also serve as a source of nutrients for the larvae. Parasitic association likely established when close and common contact of both associates could happen, thus one may hypothesize a fish that lived close to the bottom of lakes and rivers (including durophagous species) as a likely host at the beginning of their co-evolution. Accidental contact of the larvae with the body of fishes (during predation on bivalves or caused by anti-sinking mucous or the larval threads tangled with fish) could result in increased bivalve dispersal. Subsequently, firmer attachment on fish tissues was acquired, followed by encapsulation of the larva within the host epithelium. This might have allowed for the feeding on host tissues, but required developing resistance to the host's immune system, which might have further strengthened their association.
da Silva, Victor R; Varejão, Filipe G; Matos, Suzana A; Rodrigues, Mariza G; Fürsich, Franz T; Skawina, Aleksandra; Schneider, Simon; Warren, Lucas V; Assine, Mario L; Simões, Marcello G
New freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida) with potential trigonioidid and hyriid affinities from the Early Cretaceous of Brazil Journal Article
In: Geobios, vol. 61, pp. 41–54, 2020, ISSN: 00166995.
@article{DASILVA202041,
title = {New freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida) with potential trigonioidid and hyriid affinities from the Early Cretaceous of Brazil},
author = {Victor R da Silva and Filipe G Varejão and Suzana A Matos and Mariza G Rodrigues and Franz T Fürsich and Aleksandra Skawina and Simon Schneider and Lucas V Warren and Mario L Assine and Marcello G Simões},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0016699520300462 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0016699520300462},
doi = {10.1016/j.geobios.2020.06.001},
issn = {00166995},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-08-01},
journal = {Geobios},
volume = {61},
pages = {41--54},
abstract = {Two new taxa of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) from the Aptian Crato Formation of the Araripe Basin, NE Brazil, are described. The fossil bivalves are confined to 30- to 130-cm-thick bioturbated mudstones overlying the fossil-rich laminated limestones of the Crato Formation Konservat-Lagerstätte. Individuals are often preserved with closed or splayed articulated valves, some of them potentially in life position, forming an autochthonous to parautochthonous assemblage. Monginellopsis bellaradiata nov. gen., nov. sp. shares key characters with the Trigonioidoidea: (i) the anterior pedal retractor muscle scar is clearly separated from the anterior adductor muscle scar; (ii) the shell has fold-like radial ribs on the posterior half; (iii) a right valve anterior tooth has a striated facet. Araripenaia elliptica nov. gen., nov. sp. is the most abundant and widely distributed unionid of the Crato Formation. Its ornament of anterior inverted V-shaped riblets, and central and posterior radial and sub-radial riblets resembles modern and fossil Hyriidae from the Americas, but also Trigonioidoidea from Eurasia. Its dentition of two smooth anterior pseudocardinals and two smooth posterior laterals in each valve provides no further clues for systematic assignment; muscle scars are not preserved. Assignment to the Hyriidae would make Araripenaia the oldest member of this family known from South America. Moreover, this bivalve assemblage of trigonioidoidids, hyriids, and previously reported silesunionoids suggests palaeobiogeographic links to other areas in both Gondwana and Laurasia.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Two new taxa of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) from the Aptian Crato Formation of the Araripe Basin, NE Brazil, are described. The fossil bivalves are confined to 30- to 130-cm-thick bioturbated mudstones overlying the fossil-rich laminated limestones of the Crato Formation Konservat-Lagerstätte. Individuals are often preserved with closed or splayed articulated valves, some of them potentially in life position, forming an autochthonous to parautochthonous assemblage. Monginellopsis bellaradiata nov. gen., nov. sp. shares key characters with the Trigonioidoidea: (i) the anterior pedal retractor muscle scar is clearly separated from the anterior adductor muscle scar; (ii) the shell has fold-like radial ribs on the posterior half; (iii) a right valve anterior tooth has a striated facet. Araripenaia elliptica nov. gen., nov. sp. is the most abundant and widely distributed unionid of the Crato Formation. Its ornament of anterior inverted V-shaped riblets, and central and posterior radial and sub-radial riblets resembles modern and fossil Hyriidae from the Americas, but also Trigonioidoidea from Eurasia. Its dentition of two smooth anterior pseudocardinals and two smooth posterior laterals in each valve provides no further clues for systematic assignment; muscle scars are not preserved. Assignment to the Hyriidae would make Araripenaia the oldest member of this family known from South America. Moreover, this bivalve assemblage of trigonioidoidids, hyriids, and previously reported silesunionoids suggests palaeobiogeographic links to other areas in both Gondwana and Laurasia.
da Silva, Victor R; Varejão, Filipe G; Matos, Suzana A; Fürsich, Franz T; Skawina, Aleksandra; Schneider, Simon; Warren, Lucas V; Assine, Mario L; Simões, Marcello G
In: Cretaceous Research, vol. 107, pp. 104275, 2020, ISSN: 01956671.
@article{DASILVA2020104275,
title = {Cratonaia novaolindensis gen. et sp. nov. (Unionida, Silesunionoidea) from the Aptian of Brazil (Araripe Basin), and its implications for the early evolution of freshwater mussels},
author = {Victor R da Silva and Filipe G Varejão and Suzana A Matos and Franz T Fürsich and Aleksandra Skawina and Simon Schneider and Lucas V Warren and Mario L Assine and Marcello G Simões},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195667119302642 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0195667119302642},
doi = {10.1016/j.cretres.2019.104275},
issn = {01956671},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-03-01},
journal = {Cretaceous Research},
volume = {107},
pages = {104275},
abstract = {The fossil-rich carbonate deposits of the Aptian Crato Formation, Araripe Basin (Brazil) are one of the main Cretaceous Konservat-Lagerstätten of Gondwana, and have come to fame globally. However, information on fossils from deposits other than the famous laminites of the basal part of the unit is scarce. Herein, we describe the first bivalves of the suborder Silesunionidina Skawina and Dzik, 2011 in the order Unionida Gray, 1854 from South America. The specimens were collected from a 0.3–1-m-thick grey to yellow mudstone interval located 0.3 m above the laminated limestones of the lower part of the Crato Formation at Nova Olinda, State of Ceará. They comprise exquisite composite, internal and external moulds, preserving key anatomical characters. Based on the analysis of muscle scars, hinge and ornamentation, these bivalves are here assigned to a new genus and species, Cratonaia novaolindensis gen. et sp. nov. The presence of a series of small pedal elevator scars linearly arranged on the external wall of the umbonal cavity indicates that this is a member of the suborder Silesunionidina. The new form is the by far youngest representative of this group. Closely related bivalves were previously reported from Triassic deposits of Australia, Africa, Europe and potentially India. Detailed stratigraphic, sedimentological and taphonomic observations indicate that the new taxon thrived in a freshwater lake. The occurrence of Silesunionoidea in the Lower Cretaceous of South America indicates that the condition of the musculature in Mesozoic freshwater mussels needs to be established to assign them confidently at family level.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The fossil-rich carbonate deposits of the Aptian Crato Formation, Araripe Basin (Brazil) are one of the main Cretaceous Konservat-Lagerstätten of Gondwana, and have come to fame globally. However, information on fossils from deposits other than the famous laminites of the basal part of the unit is scarce. Herein, we describe the first bivalves of the suborder Silesunionidina Skawina and Dzik, 2011 in the order Unionida Gray, 1854 from South America. The specimens were collected from a 0.3–1-m-thick grey to yellow mudstone interval located 0.3 m above the laminated limestones of the lower part of the Crato Formation at Nova Olinda, State of Ceará. They comprise exquisite composite, internal and external moulds, preserving key anatomical characters. Based on the analysis of muscle scars, hinge and ornamentation, these bivalves are here assigned to a new genus and species, Cratonaia novaolindensis gen. et sp. nov. The presence of a series of small pedal elevator scars linearly arranged on the external wall of the umbonal cavity indicates that this is a member of the suborder Silesunionidina. The new form is the by far youngest representative of this group. Closely related bivalves were previously reported from Triassic deposits of Australia, Africa, Europe and potentially India. Detailed stratigraphic, sedimentological and taphonomic observations indicate that the new taxon thrived in a freshwater lake. The occurrence of Silesunionoidea in the Lower Cretaceous of South America indicates that the condition of the musculature in Mesozoic freshwater mussels needs to be established to assign them confidently at family level.
Ożgo, Małgorzata; Cameron, Robert A D; Horsák, Michal; Pokryszko, Beata; Chudaś, Małgorzata; Cichy, Anna; Kaczmarek, Sławomir; Kobak, Jarosław; Marzec, Magdalena; Mierzwa-Szymkowiak, Dominika; Parzonko, Dariusz; Pyka, Grażyna; Rosin, Zuzanna; Skawina, Aleksandra; Soroka, Marianna; Sulikowska-Drozd, Anna; Surowiec, Tomasz; Szymanek, Marcin; Templin, Julita; Urbańska, Maria; Zając, Kamila; Zielska, Joanna; Żbikowska, Elżbieta; Żołądek, Joanna
Cepaea nemoralis (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in Poland: patterns of variation in a range-expanding species Journal Article
In: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. 127, no. 1, pp. 1–11, 2019, ISSN: 0024-4066.
@article{10.1093/biolinnean/blz029,
title = {Cepaea nemoralis (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in Poland: patterns of variation in a range-expanding species},
author = {Małgorzata Ożgo and Robert A D Cameron and Michal Horsák and Beata Pokryszko and Małgorzata Chudaś and Anna Cichy and Sławomir Kaczmarek and Jarosław Kobak and Magdalena Marzec and Dominika Mierzwa-Szymkowiak and Dariusz Parzonko and Grażyna Pyka and Zuzanna Rosin and Aleksandra Skawina and Marianna Soroka and Anna Sulikowska-Drozd and Tomasz Surowiec and Marcin Szymanek and Julita Templin and Maria Urbańska and Kamila Zając and Joanna Zielska and Elżbieta Żbikowska and Joanna Żołądek},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blz029 https://academic.oup.com/biolinnean/article/127/1/1/5426441},
doi = {10.1093/biolinnean/blz029},
issn = {0024-4066},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-04-01},
journal = {Biological Journal of the Linnean Society},
volume = {127},
number = {1},
pages = {1--11},
abstract = {A countrywide data set of 1048 samples of the European land snail Cepaea nemoralis (L.) from Poland was assembled from both published and unpublished sources. Analyses of shell colour and banding polymorphism revealed distinctive patterns of variation. While the frequency of brown shells showed a clear geographical pattern related to climate, other morphs showed no such clear trends. Variation among populations was great, but little of this could be accounted for by variation among regions. Spatial autocorrelation was generally restricted to very short distances, of the order of 20 km or less. Variation with habitat was found in the form of an excess of brown shells in shaded habitats and an excess of yellow and yellow effectively unbanded shells in open habitats, although this was not universal. The data suggest that cases of long-distance, passive dispersal followed by more local spread account for much of the variation, and that strong selection related to habitat may be obscured by different sources of populations within a few kilometres of each other. The data are now available to track changes over time.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A countrywide data set of 1048 samples of the European land snail Cepaea nemoralis (L.) from Poland was assembled from both published and unpublished sources. Analyses of shell colour and banding polymorphism revealed distinctive patterns of variation. While the frequency of brown shells showed a clear geographical pattern related to climate, other morphs showed no such clear trends. Variation among populations was great, but little of this could be accounted for by variation among regions. Spatial autocorrelation was generally restricted to very short distances, of the order of 20 km or less. Variation with habitat was found in the form of an excess of brown shells in shaded habitats and an excess of yellow and yellow effectively unbanded shells in open habitats, although this was not universal. The data suggest that cases of long-distance, passive dispersal followed by more local spread account for much of the variation, and that strong selection related to habitat may be obscured by different sources of populations within a few kilometres of each other. The data are now available to track changes over time.
Skawina, Aleksandra
In: Folia Malacologica, vol. 26, no. 4, pp. 275–280, 2018, ISSN: 15067629.
@article{Skawina2018,
title = {Book review: Patterson M. A., Mair R. A., Eckert N. L., Gatenby C. M., Brady T., Jones J. W., Simmons B. R., Devers J. L. 2018. Freshwater mussel propagation for restoration},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina},
url = {https://doi.org/10.12657/folmal.026.023 http://www.foliamalacologica.com/Book-review-Patterson-M-A-Mair-R-A-Eckert-N-L-Gatenby-C-M-Brady-T-Jones-J-W-Simmons,117978,0,2.html},
doi = {10.12657/folmal.026.023},
issn = {15067629},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-12-01},
journal = {Folia Malacologica},
volume = {26},
number = {4},
pages = {275--280},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Sulikowska-Drozd, Anna; Skawina, Aleksandra; Lewin, Iga; Pieńkowska, Joanna R
The Seventh Congress of European Malacological Societes Journal Article
In: Folia Malacologica, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 311–313, 2014, ISSN: 1506-7629.
@article{Sulikowska-Drozd2014,
title = {The Seventh Congress of European Malacological Societes},
author = {Anna Sulikowska-Drozd and Aleksandra Skawina and Iga Lewin and Joanna R Pieńkowska},
url = {https://doi.org/10.12657/folmal.022.027},
doi = {10.12657/folmal.022.027},
issn = {1506-7629},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-01-01},
journal = {Folia Malacologica},
volume = {22},
number = {4},
pages = {311--313},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Skawina, Aleksandra
Population dynamics and taphonomy of the Late Triassic (Carnian) freshwater bivalves from Krasiejów (Poland) Journal Article
In: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, vol. 379-380, pp. 68–80, 2013, ISSN: 00310182.
@article{SKAWINA201368,
title = {Population dynamics and taphonomy of the Late Triassic (Carnian) freshwater bivalves from Krasiejów (Poland)},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0031018213001673 https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0031018213001673},
doi = {10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.04.005},
issn = {00310182},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-06-01},
journal = {Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology},
volume = {379-380},
pages = {68--80},
abstract = {The Krasiejów clay pit (SW Poland) has so far been known for yielding mass accumulations of Late Triassic (Carnian) vertebrate fossils. However, unionoid bivalves occur abundantly within the 1 metre-thick shell-rich lacustrine interval at Krasiejów. They are most commonly preserved as shell imprints in the claystone or mudstone. A layer-by-layer quantitative sampling for shell external moulds was conducted directly in the bedding planes at two sites. The most numerous findings come from red and variegated layers in the upper part of this interval, which correspond to a well-aerated sediment. Single valves dominate at both sites and in all layers; valves in butterfly position are rare. The abundance of single valves throughout the sedimentation of the whole interval, both juveniles and adults, indicates that this interval represents the graveyard of a stable, reproducing population. The only exception is a bedding plane in the upper part of the lacustrine interval with numerous concretionary infills of closed valve interiors. They were presumably killed by a sudden load of sediment and, after the early diagenetic cementation was completed, they were winnowed from the mud. The mortality pattern is characterised by a high juvenile mortality (peak at about 13mm), and a slight increase in subadult mortality (peak at about 30mm; adult specimens reach 55mm). Complete lack of early juvenile shells representing the stage with prominent ornamentation may have resulted from predation rather than from size-selective post-mortem preservation. The course of ontogeny shows virtually isometric growth. The range of variability of shell proportions within and between layers suggests the succession of monospecific populations. The Krasiejów lacustrine interval represents the oldest insight into the dynamics and taphonomy of unionoid palaeocommunity.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Krasiejów clay pit (SW Poland) has so far been known for yielding mass accumulations of Late Triassic (Carnian) vertebrate fossils. However, unionoid bivalves occur abundantly within the 1 metre-thick shell-rich lacustrine interval at Krasiejów. They are most commonly preserved as shell imprints in the claystone or mudstone. A layer-by-layer quantitative sampling for shell external moulds was conducted directly in the bedding planes at two sites. The most numerous findings come from red and variegated layers in the upper part of this interval, which correspond to a well-aerated sediment. Single valves dominate at both sites and in all layers; valves in butterfly position are rare. The abundance of single valves throughout the sedimentation of the whole interval, both juveniles and adults, indicates that this interval represents the graveyard of a stable, reproducing population. The only exception is a bedding plane in the upper part of the lacustrine interval with numerous concretionary infills of closed valve interiors. They were presumably killed by a sudden load of sediment and, after the early diagenetic cementation was completed, they were winnowed from the mud. The mortality pattern is characterised by a high juvenile mortality (peak at about 13mm), and a slight increase in subadult mortality (peak at about 30mm; adult specimens reach 55mm). Complete lack of early juvenile shells representing the stage with prominent ornamentation may have resulted from predation rather than from size-selective post-mortem preservation. The course of ontogeny shows virtually isometric growth. The range of variability of shell proportions within and between layers suggests the succession of monospecific populations. The Krasiejów lacustrine interval represents the oldest insight into the dynamics and taphonomy of unionoid palaeocommunity.
Skawina, Aleksandra; Dzik, Jerzy
Umbonal musculature and relationships of the Late Triassic filibranch unionoid bivalves Journal Article
In: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, vol. 163, no. 3, pp. 863–883, 2011, ISSN: 00244082.
@article{10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00728.x,
title = {Umbonal musculature and relationships of the Late Triassic filibranch unionoid bivalves},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina and Jerzy Dzik},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00728.x https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-lookup/doi/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00728.x},
doi = {10.1111/j.1096-3642.2011.00728.x},
issn = {00244082},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-11-01},
journal = {Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society},
volume = {163},
number = {3},
pages = {863--883},
abstract = {Exceptionally well-preserved Late Triassic unionoids from Silesia, Poland, show prominently ornamented juvenile shells and umbonal muscle attachments that are similar to Margaritifera, which are anatomically the least derived among extant unionoids. Their phosphatized (originally chitinous and impregnated with calcium phosphate) gill supports lacked transverse connections, and occasionally some of them were separated from others, being thus at the filibranch grade, like their trigonioid ancestors. Several separate small foot elevator attachments in these unionoids indicate Trigonodidae adaptation to marine or brackish water, in which the original trigonioid strong single attachment was already split into two in the Early Triassic. The ribbing of juvenile shells suggests a change to deeper infaunal life for juvenile stages, and generally less efficient near-surface locomotion, with a wedge-like foot, in adults. Much later the unionoids became eulamellibranchial, which promoted the brooding of the fish that their larvae parasitize. To accomodate the classification of the order under this scenario of evolutionary changes, a new suborder Silesunionina is proposed for its filibranch members. It includes the Silesunionidae fam. nov., with the location of umbonal muscles similar to that in the extant underived unionoids, and the Unionellidae fam. nov., with umbonal muscles attached to the external wall of the umbonal cavity. The early Late Triassic (Carnian) Silesunio parvus gen. et sp. nov. and latest Triassic (Rhaetian) Tihkia (?) silesiaca sp. nov. are proposed.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Exceptionally well-preserved Late Triassic unionoids from Silesia, Poland, show prominently ornamented juvenile shells and umbonal muscle attachments that are similar to Margaritifera, which are anatomically the least derived among extant unionoids. Their phosphatized (originally chitinous and impregnated with calcium phosphate) gill supports lacked transverse connections, and occasionally some of them were separated from others, being thus at the filibranch grade, like their trigonioid ancestors. Several separate small foot elevator attachments in these unionoids indicate Trigonodidae adaptation to marine or brackish water, in which the original trigonioid strong single attachment was already split into two in the Early Triassic. The ribbing of juvenile shells suggests a change to deeper infaunal life for juvenile stages, and generally less efficient near-surface locomotion, with a wedge-like foot, in adults. Much later the unionoids became eulamellibranchial, which promoted the brooding of the fish that their larvae parasitize. To accomodate the classification of the order under this scenario of evolutionary changes, a new suborder Silesunionina is proposed for its filibranch members. It includes the Silesunionidae fam. nov., with the location of umbonal muscles similar to that in the extant underived unionoids, and the Unionellidae fam. nov., with umbonal muscles attached to the external wall of the umbonal cavity. The early Late Triassic (Carnian) Silesunio parvus gen. et sp. nov. and latest Triassic (Rhaetian) Tihkia (?) silesiaca sp. nov. are proposed.
Skawina, Aleksandra
Experimental decay of gills in freshwater bivalves as a key to understanding their preservation in upper triassic lacustrine deposits Journal Article
In: PALAIOS, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 215–220, 2010, ISSN: 0883-1351.
@article{10.2110/palo.2009.p09-081r,
title = {Experimental decay of gills in freshwater bivalves as a key to understanding their preservation in upper triassic lacustrine deposits},
author = {Aleksandra Skawina},
url = {https://doi.org/10.2110/palo.2009.p09-081r https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/palaios/article/25/3/215-220/146145},
doi = {10.2110/palo.2009.p09-081r},
issn = {0883-1351},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-03-01},
journal = {PALAIOS},
volume = {25},
number = {3},
pages = {215--220},
publisher = {Society for Sedimentary Geology},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Kołodziejczyk, Andrzej; Skawina, Aleksandra
The Roman Snail (Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758) in Northern Mazovia Journal Article
In: Folia Malacologica, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 63–68, 2009, ISSN: 1506-7629.
@article{Kołodziejczyk2009,
title = {The Roman Snail (Helix pomatia Linnaeus, 1758) in Northern Mazovia},
author = {Andrzej Kołodziejczyk and Aleksandra Skawina},
url = {https://doi.org/10.2478/v10125-009-0010-3 http://www.foliamalacologica.com/The-Roman-snail-Helix-pomatia-Linnaeus-1758-in-northern-Mazovia,123014,0,2.html},
doi = {10.2478/v10125-009-0010-3},
issn = {1506-7629},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-10-01},
journal = {Folia Malacologica},
volume = {17},
number = {2},
pages = {63--68},
abstract = {In northern Mazovia Helix pomatia L. is rare and found only in some anthropogenic habitats; in the 55 sites studied its frequency was 9%. Neither abundance nor biomass and size structure of its populations departed from those reported from other regions of Poland. Its rarity, the scattered localities and its absence even in apparently optimum natural habitats confirm the earlier view that it is an introduced species in the region. Comparison with the earlier data indicates no expansion tendency within the last 35–40 years. The estimated area occupied by the species in the whole Mazovan voivodeship does not exceed 50 km 2 . These single populations, even when dense, may be threatened because of their isolated character; they should not be exploitedand deserve protection.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In northern Mazovia Helix pomatia L. is rare and found only in some anthropogenic habitats; in the 55 sites studied its frequency was 9%. Neither abundance nor biomass and size structure of its populations departed from those reported from other regions of Poland. Its rarity, the scattered localities and its absence even in apparently optimum natural habitats confirm the earlier view that it is an introduced species in the region. Comparison with the earlier data indicates no expansion tendency within the last 35–40 years. The estimated area occupied by the species in the whole Mazovan voivodeship does not exceed 50 km 2 . These single populations, even when dense, may be threatened because of their isolated character; they should not be exploitedand deserve protection.
Gorzelak, Przemysław; Niedźwiecki, Grzegorz; Skawina, Aleksandra
Pathologies of non-marine bivalve shells from the Late Triassic of Poland Journal Article
In: Lethaia, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 285–289, 2009, ISSN: 00241164.
@article{https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1502-3931.2009.00188.x,
title = {Pathologies of non-marine bivalve shells from the Late Triassic of Poland},
author = {Przemysław Gorzelak and Grzegorz Niedźwiecki and Aleksandra Skawina},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1502-3931.2009.00188.x https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1502-3931.2009.00188.x},
doi = {10.1111/j.1502-3931.2009.00188.x},
issn = {00241164},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-07-01},
journal = {Lethaia},
volume = {43},
number = {3},
pages = {285--289},
abstract = {Gorzelak, P., Niedźwiedzki, G. & Skawina, A. 2010: Pathologies of non-marine bivalve shells from the Late Triassic of Poland. Lethaia, Vol. 43, pp. 285–289. Shells of Late Triassic non-marine bivalves from Lisowice (Lipie Ślcaskie clay pit, southern Poland), which co-occur with remains of several vertebrate taxa (mammal-like reptiles, carnivorous dinosaurs, pterosaurs, temnospondyl amphibians, hybodont sharks, dipnoan and ganoid fish), bear evidence of pathologies. Distribution, dimension and shape of some of these injuries (radiate tooth marks) closely match the dental morphology of lungfish (here probably represented by the genus Ceratodus). Thus, we interpret these pathologies as evidence of unsuccessful predatory attack on bivalves by this fish. This interpretation is also consistent with modern examples of such behaviour among lungfish. The feasibility that other culprits caused other pathologies (shell scarring and wedges) on the bivalves analysed is also discussed. Discovery of these traces constitutes important evidence of predator–prey interaction, which provides ‘fingerprints' of trophic structure within this Late Triassic freshwater ecosystem. □Freshwater bivalves, lungfish, pathologies, predation, Triassic.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Gorzelak, P., Niedźwiedzki, G. & Skawina, A. 2010: Pathologies of non-marine bivalve shells from the Late Triassic of Poland. Lethaia, Vol. 43, pp. 285–289. Shells of Late Triassic non-marine bivalves from Lisowice (Lipie Ślcaskie clay pit, southern Poland), which co-occur with remains of several vertebrate taxa (mammal-like reptiles, carnivorous dinosaurs, pterosaurs, temnospondyl amphibians, hybodont sharks, dipnoan and ganoid fish), bear evidence of pathologies. Distribution, dimension and shape of some of these injuries (radiate tooth marks) closely match the dental morphology of lungfish (here probably represented by the genus Ceratodus). Thus, we interpret these pathologies as evidence of unsuccessful predatory attack on bivalves by this fish. This interpretation is also consistent with modern examples of such behaviour among lungfish. The feasibility that other culprits caused other pathologies (shell scarring and wedges) on the bivalves analysed is also discussed. Discovery of these traces constitutes important evidence of predator–prey interaction, which provides ‘fingerprints' of trophic structure within this Late Triassic freshwater ecosystem. □Freshwater bivalves, lungfish, pathologies, predation, Triassic.
Other published works
- Skawina A (2015) Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska, W poszukiwaniu wczesnych ssaków, Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Warszawa 2013, ss. 276, ISBN 978-83-235-0903-5 – recenzja książki. Kosmos 64: 191-192. [Zofia Kielan-Jaworowska, Looking for the early mammals – a book review] YADDA identifier bwmeta1.element.bwnjournal-article-ksv64p191kz
- Skawina A (2014) Trzy lata Nocy Biologów na Wydziale Biologii Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Biologia w Szkole, 5: 26-28. [Three years of the Biologists’ Night at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw]
- Sulikowska-Drozd A, Skawina A, Lewin I, Pieńkowska J. (2014) The Seventh Congress of European Malacological Societies, Folia Malacologica, 22: 311-313 doi: 10.12657/folmal.022.027
- Skawina A (2013) Dotknąć _biologii – II Ogólnopolska Noc Biologów na UW. Edukacja Biologiczna i Środowiskowa 2013/1: 98-101 [Touch biology – II Polish Biologists’ Night at University of Warsaw]
- Skawina A (2008) Pochodzenie i ewolucja skójek. Ewolucja 3: 35-42, Biuletyn Muzeum Ewolucji Instytutu Paleobiologii PAN. [The origin and evolution of unionids]