Adaptation for Low Temperature Survival and Taxonomic Diversity of Invertebrates in a Snow Environment.

Title: Adaptation for Low Temperature Survival and Taxonomic Diversity of Invertebrates in a Snow Environment. Abstract: This bachelor thesis represents a review of contemporary knowledge concerning cold hardiness and activity in a snow environment in invertebrates. The first part is focused on the influence of cold on the organisms and strategies of survival in cold environments. The following chapter represents a description of substances (e.g. ice nucleating agents, cryoprotectants, antifreeze proteins or water) participating in a level of cold hardiness. Diapause is mentioned as well, as it can influence cold hardiness. Moreover, adaptations to living in cold environment are discussed from an evolutionary point of view with emphasis on the specificity of survival strategies depending on the climate. The final chapter focuses on animal taxa which remain active in a snow environment. Organisms active in the winter environment of temperate climate as well as nival fauna of regions with permanent snow are included. This chapter also contains a list of invertebrate taxa occurring on snow cover with notes to their ecology and phenology. Key words: cold hardiness, cold adaptations, nival fauna, winter survival, invertebrate animal