The evolution of the karyotype and genome size was examined in species of Crepis sensu lato. The phylogenetic relationships, inferred from the plastid and nrITS DNA sequences, were used as a framework to infer the patterns of karyotype evolution. Five different base chromosome numbers (x = 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11) were observed. A phylogenetic analysis of the evolution of the chromosome numbers allowed the inference of x = 6 as the ancestral state and the descending dysploidy as the major direction of the chromosome base number evolution. The derived base chromosome numbers (x = 5, 4, and 3) were found to have originated independently and recurrently in the different lineages of the genus. A few independent events of increases in karyotype asymmetry were inferred to have accompanied the karyotype evolution in Crepis. The genome sizes of 33 Crepis species differed seven-fold and the ancestral genome size was reconstructed to be 1C = 3.44 pg. Both decreases and increases in the genome size were inferred to have occurred within and between the lineages. The data suggest that, in addition to dysploidy, the amplification/elimination of various repetitive DNAs was likely involved in the genome and taxa differentiation in the genus.

Although Crepis was the first model plant group in which chromosomal changes were considered to play an important role in speciation, their chromosome structure and evolution have been barely investigated using molecular cytogenetic methods. The aim of the study was to provide a better understanding of the patterns and directions of Crepis chromosome evolution, using comparative analyses of rDNA loci number and localisation. The chromosome base number and chromosomal organisation of 5S and 35S rDNA loci were analysed in the phylogenetic background for 39 species of Crepis, which represent the evolutionary lineages of Crepis sensu stricto and Lagoseris, including Lapsana communis. The phylogenetic relationships among all the species were inferred from nrITS and newly obtained 5S rDNA NTS sequences. Despite high variations in rDNA loci chromosomal organisation, most species had a chromosome with both rDNA loci within the same (usually short) chromosomal arm. The comparative analyses revealed several independent rDNA loci number gains and loci repositioning that accompanied diversification and speciation in Crepis. Some of the changes in rDNA loci patterns were reconstructed for the same evolutionary lineages as descending dysploidy.

Alien vascular plants in the Silesian Upland of Poland: distribution, patterns, impacts and threats: Symptoms of anthropogenic changes in the flora include processes of extinction in some species and spread in others. These tendencies have increased in magnitude in recent centuries, adversely affecting natural biodiversity on a regional, national and continental scale. The main idea behind the project presented here was to investigate the diversity of the alien vascular flora at the regional scale and to update the list of invasive alien species for the Silesian Upland. The aim of this study is also to provide a synthesis of the knowledge accumulated to date on the conditions for their occurrence, their distribution patterns and the possible threat they might pose. The distribution of particular species at the regional scale was investigated by mapping the species on a 2 km x 2 km grid. The study showed that the list of alien plant species for the Silesian Upland encompasses 338 species, including 125 archaeophytes, 195 kenophytes (=neophytes) and 18 species of an uncertain status in the Polish flora. A threat evaluation was performed for particular species on the basis of the number of localities, the diversity of preferred habitats recorded, and their current (over the last decade) tendency to colonise new localities. As a result, a final list of 101 invasive species has been selected. Among the alien plant species considered to be invasive in the area of the Silesian Upland, 20 species are identified as ‘weeds’ (13 archaeophytes and 7 kenophytes), another 25 (exclusively kenophytes), penetrating into natural habitats, are defined as ‘transformers’

Long-term exploitation of mineral resources has significantly changed the natural environment in urban-industrial landscapes. The changes on the surface of the extraction sites as a consequence of excavation of mineral resources provide specific mineral oligotrophic habitats on which plant species and thus vegetation can establish spontaneously. Some of these sites fulfill the prerequisites of novel ecosystems. This study was conducted on the spontaneous vegetation of post-extraction sites. Lists of species spontaneously covering these sites were prepared based on published data and our own records. This research revealed that species composition and vegetation types vary in time. These post-extraction novel ecosystems are also important for the presence of rare, endangered, and protected species noted in patches of different vegetation types. The variety of habitat conditions provided by these sites facilitates the occurrence of a wide spectrum of plants (both in terms of their socio-ecological origin and their ecological spectrum). This research proves how important these post-extraction novel ecosystems are for supporting plant and vegetation diversity in urban-industrial landscapes. Enhancing the biodiversity significantly increases the ecosystem services delivered by these sites and also the functioning of entire ecosystems. These natural processes on human habitats are essential in urban-industrial ecosystem landscape mosaics.

The necessary ecosystem services can be effectively provided through the diverse functioning and processes of ecosystems. Apart from services provided by natural and semi-natural ecosystems, the study on ecosystem development on mineral habitats, established as by-products of mining activity, have revealed surprising results. Unrecognised yet crucial ecosystem services can be provided by novel ecosystems that develop spontaneously on mineral sites created due to human activities, such as mineral mining. These mineral habitats and the ecosystems established de novo provide a wide range of ecosystem services. Modelling ecosystem functioning can simulate and predict the effects of interventions on ecosystem services provided by novel ecosystems. This approach supports adaptive management strategies that maximise desired services while minimising negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Understanding the functioning of novel ecosystems and their ecosystem services is crucial for enhancing resilience, promoting restoration efforts, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. Recognising the importance of ecosystem services provided by novel ecosystems and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes can foster public support for conservation initiatives and promote collaboration among diverse stakeholders. This approach is particularly important given that many activities related to the re-development of post-industrial areas, especially post-mining regions, have fallen short of achieving their objectives. The essential role of ecosystem services provided by natural, semi-natural, and novel ecosystems highlights the importance of the ecosystem functioning modelling approaches. Such approaches are needed to understand and quantify these services in the context of adhering to sustainable development principles during urban development.

Results of preliminary studies on habitat requirements and morphological variation of Centaurea oxylepis are presented. The studies were carried out in the Silesian Beskid (West Carpathians). Fifteen populations were chosen for studies on morphological variation of the species. 28 traits of each specimen were analyzed using 1-Way ANOVA and G-test. The cluster analysis separated populations into two groups: one associated with southern slopes, other associated with northern and eastern slopes. 11 traits differentiated populations in statistically significant way. However, ranges of traits variation overlapped in majority of populations. The highest differentiation is evidenced in relation to: plant height, 1st-order ramifications number and the longest ramification length. Populations characterized by similar ranges of trait values were located on slopes similarly exposed. Probably, the morphological variation is caused only by habitat and climatic conditions.