Diversity

12 pages, 2745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Molecular Detection of Invasive Alien Plants in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas

by Jessica Frigerio, Malika Ouled Larbi, Werther Guidi Nissim, Fabrizio Grassi, Pierluigi Cortis and Massimo Labra

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100647 (registering DOI) - 19 Oct 2024

Viewed by 182

Abstract

Invasive alien plants represent one of the five major threats to biodiversity and the disruption of ecosystems. They are introduced through various routes, starting with commercial trade. Preventing their introduction is essential to avoid the spread of new invasive plants. In this paper, [...] Read more.

Invasive alien plants represent one of the five major threats to biodiversity and the disruption of ecosystems. They are introduced through various routes, starting with commercial trade. Preventing their introduction is essential to avoid the spread of new invasive plants. In this paper, we propose a new early warning DNA barcoding tool for invasive plant detection. Eight invasive alien species of European Union concern (i.e., Ludwigia grandiflora, Elodea nuttallii, Myriophyllum aquaticum, Pontederia crassipes, Ailanthus altissima, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Impatiens glandulifera, Pueraria montana) were selected and analysed. A unique DNA marker for each species was identified and amplified using species-specific primers capable of identifying the presence of alien species. To verify whether the approach could detect the presence of alien plants in urban areas from lawn clippings, mixes with typical urban spontaneous plants and invasive species were tested. In all mixes, only the invasive species was identified. This rapid detection capability will enable environmental operators to intervene promptly to contain the spread of invasive plants before they can cause significant damage to the local ecosystem. This tool could have a significant impact on the protection of local biodiversity and the integrity of urban habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue DNA Barcoding for Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration)

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3 pages, 168 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Slišković et al. A Systematic Analysis of the Mediterranean Sea (IHO Sea Area) in the WRiMS Database. Diversity 2024, 16, 358

by Merica Slišković, Anita Gudelj and Marina Piria

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100646 - 17 Oct 2024

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Abstract

In the published article [...] Full article

15 pages, 3175 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dragonfly Functional Diversity in Dinaric Karst Tufa-Depositing Lotic Habitats in a Biodiversity Hotspot

by Marina Vilenica, Vlatka Mičetić Stanković and Mladen Kučinić

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100645 - 17 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Functional diversity is a key component of biodiversity that reflects various dimensions of ecosystem functioning and the roles organisms play within communities and ecosystems. It is widely used to understand how ecological processes influence biotic assemblages. With an aim to increase our knowledge [...] Read more.

Functional diversity is a key component of biodiversity that reflects various dimensions of ecosystem functioning and the roles organisms play within communities and ecosystems. It is widely used to understand how ecological processes influence biotic assemblages. With an aim to increase our knowledge about dragonfly ecological requirements in tufa-depositing karst habitats, we assessed functional diversity of their assemblages, various life history traits (e.g., stream zonation preference, substrate preference, reproduction type), and relationship between functional diversity and physico-chemical water properties in three types of karst lotic habitats (springs, streams, and tufa barriers) in a biodiversity hotspot in the western Balkan Peninsula. Dragonfly functional diversity was mainly characterized by traits typical for lotic rheophile species with medium dispersal capacity. Among the investigated habitats, tufa barriers, characterized by higher (micro)habitat heterogeneity, higher water velocity, as well as lower conductivity and concentration of nitrates, can be considered as dragonfly functional diversity hotspots. Functional diversity and most of the life history traits were comparable among different substrate types in the studied habitats, indicating higher importance of habitat type in shaping dragonfly functional diversity patterns in karst lotic habitats. Our results should be considered in the management and conservation activities of vulnerable karst freshwater ecosystems and their dragonfly assemblages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)

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12 pages, 1029 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in the Biomass of Phragmites australis Across Community Types in the Aquatic Habitats of the Middle Volga Valley

by Vladimir Papchenkov and Hana Čížková

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100644 - 17 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Species composition and biomass are key indicators of vegetation performance. While Phragmites australis is extensively studied worldwide, data on its communities and biomass in natural habitats are limited in the European part of the Russian Federation. This study examines P. australis-dominated communities [...] Read more.

Species composition and biomass are key indicators of vegetation performance. While Phragmites australis is extensively studied worldwide, data on its communities and biomass in natural habitats are limited in the European part of the Russian Federation. This study examines P. australis-dominated communities and their biomass in wetlands along the Middle Volga River. P. australis was either the dominant or co-dominant species in seven community types. Their seasonal maximum aboveground biomass correlated with plant projective cover, being highest in Schoenoplecteto lacustris-Phragmitetum australis (mean 1.7 kg m⁻²), with nearly 100% cover, and lowest (0.5 kg m⁻²) in Spirodelo-Phragmitetum australis, with 50% cover. Compared with communities dominated by Glyceria maxima, Schoenoplectus lacustris, and Typha latifolia, those of P. australis had the highest seasonal maximum aboveground biomass in running waters (mean 1.32 kg m⁻²) but the lowest in standing waters of the Kuibyshev Reservoir (mean 0.70 kg m⁻²), likely reflecting nutrient availability. A similar pattern was observed for the dominant species alone. The mean belowground biomass of P. australis was 1.9 kg m⁻², with a belowground/aboveground ratio of 1.5. Similar values were found for S. lacustris and T. latifolia. The community types and biomass values align with those found in other European regions with warm temperate climates. Full article

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18 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zoonotic Pathogens Isolated from an Introduced Population of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain)

by Néstor Abreu-Acosta, Natalia Martín-Carrillo and Pilar Foronda

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100643 - 16 Oct 2024

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Abstract

The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is a widely distributed invasive species that is listed in the Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventory for Europe. Native to North America, it has been introduced to numerous regions, such as the Canary Islands, Spain. [...] Read more.

The red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is a widely distributed invasive species that is listed in the Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventory for Europe. Native to North America, it has been introduced to numerous regions, such as the Canary Islands, Spain. Previous studies have confirmed the role of this crayfish in the maintenance of several foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the main zoonotic bacterial and parasitic pathogens present in a P. clarkii population introduced to the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, and to assess the potential risk to public health and native fauna. A total of 22 crayfish from Tenerife were analyzed using Biofire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panels and culture–PCR methods. The results show the presence of Plesiomonas shigelloides, Shigella/enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella ser. Enteritidis, Salmonella ser. Typhimurium, and Salmonella ser. Typhi. These results demonstrate the presence of a variety of pathogenic bacteria in the red swamp crayfish in Tenerife that represent a significant concern in terms of public health and conservation. Implementing educational campaigns to inform the community about the risks associated with handling and consuming contaminated crayfish, as well as initiatives for the restoration of the contaminated ecosystem, are necessary to prevent the transmission of the foodborne pathogens. Full article

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16 pages, 5250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Endangered Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana—Its Forest Characteristics, Population Structure, and Regeneration Status in Yunnan, Southwestern China

by Cindy Q. Tang, Qing Chen, You-Cai Shi, Qiao Li, Kang-Di Pei, Shuaifeng Li, Peng-Bin Han, Shu-Li Xiao, Min-Rui Du, Ming-Chun Peng and Chong-Yun Wang

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100642 - 16 Oct 2024

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Abstract

The survival of relict Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana (Yunnan yew) is threatened by overexploitation for its quality wood and medicinal properties, particularly for taxol extraction. Understanding the current status of its communities and populations is crucial for protecting existing natural forest resources. We [...] Read more.

The survival of relict Taxus wallichiana var. wallichiana (Yunnan yew) is threatened by overexploitation for its quality wood and medicinal properties, particularly for taxol extraction. Understanding the current status of its communities and populations is crucial for protecting existing natural forest resources. We established 53 vegetation plots in Yunnan, southwestern China, where T. wallichiana var. wallichiana is the primary dominant species. These plots were classified into four forest types. The forests were multi-stratified, with T. wallichiana var. wallichiana frequently dominating the subcanopy and shrub layer. Species diversity indices did not significantly differ among the four forest types. The age structure of T. wallichiana var. wallichiana exhibited a multi-modal pattern, with a maximum age of 1165 years. Growth was slow, with an average radial growth rate of 0.78 mm/year. Despite its strong sprouting ability, the species had a poor seedling/sapling bank and suffered from inadequate regeneration. Its seedlings/saplings are shade-intolerant. This study provides a scientific basis for effective conservation strategies, emphasizing the need for in situ regeneration to ensure the survival of T. wallichiana var. wallichiana and its contributions to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rare and Endemic Plant Conservation in the Context of Global Changes)

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16 pages, 2810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Plant Biodiversity and the Floristic Composition in the Black Irtysh River Valley (Kazakhstan)

by Aliya Abitay, Elmira Imanova and Aidar Sumbembayev

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100641 - 16 Oct 2024

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Abstract

The Black Irtysh River, a major tributary of the Ob River, traverses diverse ecological zones, influencing the distribution and composition of its floodplain vegetation. This study focused on the Black Irtysh River valley, a key segment of the Irtysh basin, to assess the [...] Read more.

The Black Irtysh River, a major tributary of the Ob River, traverses diverse ecological zones, influencing the distribution and composition of its floodplain vegetation. This study focused on the Black Irtysh River valley, a key segment of the Irtysh basin, to assess the current state of its plant communities. To compile expedition routes and a preliminary floristic list, a critical revision of more than 1000 herbarium sheets was carried out in the herbarium collections of Kazakhstan (Altai Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction). During the field season, a study of plant biodiversity was carried out along the entire coastline of the Black Irtysh. As a result, 217 species of higher vascular plants were identified (55% of those previously found in herbarium archives) from 139 genera and 43 families. The habitats of two Red Book species were discovered: Tulipa patens and Tulipa uniflora. It was found that the flora of the Black Irtysh is similar to the flora of the entire Zaisan depression, and families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae are predominant. Geobotanical surveys revealed that the species composition of plant communities is poor and similar among survey points. Only the western part of the river delta is characterized by high rates of projective cover and reserves of forage plants. The main factors of anthropogenic influence are fires, livestock grazing, and deforestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Diversity Hotspots in the 2020s)

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21 pages, 12788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Scale Species Distribution Model for Migrating and Overwintering Western Monarch Butterflies: Climate Is the Best Predictor

by Ashley R. Fisher, William T. Bean and Francis X. Villablanca

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100640 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 364

Abstract

Western Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) migrate from inland breeding ranges to coastal overwintering grounds in California. Given that migratory individuals may make multi-scale habitat selection decisions, we considered a multi-scale species distribution model (SDM) using range-wide climatic and local landscape-level predictors of [...] Read more.

Western Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) migrate from inland breeding ranges to coastal overwintering grounds in California. Given that migratory individuals may make multi-scale habitat selection decisions, we considered a multi-scale species distribution model (SDM) using range-wide climatic and local landscape-level predictors of migratory and overwintering habitat and community-science presence data. The range-wide model output was included as a predictor in the local-scale model, generating multi-scale habitat suitability. The top range-wide predictor was the minimum temperature in December, contributing 83.7% to the model, and was positively associated with presence. At the local scale, the strongest predictors of presence were the range-wide output and percent coverage of low and medium levels of development, contributing > 95%, with 61–63% from the range-wide output, with local-scale suitability coinciding with the California coastal zones. Development’s positive association with overwintering monarch presence was counterintuitive. It is likely that our local-scale model is overfit to these development zones, but it is unclear whether this overfitting resulted from modeler choices, monarchs overwintering close to human development, biased detection near human development, or a combination of these factors. Therefore, alternative approaches to collecting local-scale attribute data are suggested while recognizing the primacy of climate in restricting overwinter sites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Animal Diversity)

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18 pages, 5341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Diversity of Plant Parasitic Nematodes in Irish Peatlands

by Anusha Pulavarty, Tilman Klappauf, Ankit Singh, Patricia Molero Molina, Anique Godjo, Bastiaan Molleman, Douglas McMillan and Thomais Kakouli-Duarte

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100639 (registering DOI) - 15 Oct 2024

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Abstract

The prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in the Irish peatlands was investigated in five different peatland habitats—raised bog, cutover scrub/woodlands, fens and peat grasslands, which were further sub-categorised into fourteen different sub-habitats. Within the raised bog habitat were healthy bog hummock (HBH), [...] Read more.

The prevalence of plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) in the Irish peatlands was investigated in five different peatland habitats—raised bog, cutover scrub/woodlands, fens and peat grasslands, which were further sub-categorised into fourteen different sub-habitats. Within the raised bog habitat were healthy bog hummock (HBH), healthy bog lawn (HBL), degraded bog hummock (DBH) and degraded bog lawn (DBL) and the fen habitats were fen peat (FP) and rich fen peat (R-FP). Cutover scrub or woodland habitat included cutover scrub rewetted (C-RW), cutover scrub non-rewetted (C-NRW), woodlands rewetted (W-RW) and woodlands non-rewetted (W-NRW). Grassland included wasted peat (WP), rough grazing (RG-I) and improved fen peat grassland (IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW). Soil samples from peatlands were all collected between July and December 2023 when the temperature ranged from 12 to 20 °C. One half of each sample was used for molecular nematode analysis and the other half for morphological identification of nematodes. For the morphological identification, a specific nematode extraction protocol was optimised for peatland soils, and the extracted nematodes were fixed onto slides to be studied under a high-power light microscope. Subsequently, the other part of the soil was processed to isolate total DNA, from which the 18S rRNA gene was sequenced for the identification of nematode taxa. The extracted DNA was also used for randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting analysis to determine banding patterns that could classify different bog habitats based on PPN random primers. Compared to that in the climax habitats (HBH, HBL, DBH, DBL, FP, R-FP), PPN prevalence was recorded as being higher in grasslands (WP, RG-I, IFPG-RW and IFPG-NRW) and scrub/woodland ecosystems (C-RW, C-NRW, W-RW, W-NRW). The results indicate that nematode populations are different across the various bog habitats. Emerging and current quarantine PPN belonging to the families Pratylenchidae, Meloidogynidae, Anguinidae and Heteroderidae were noted to be above the threshold limits mentioned under EPPO guidelines, in grassland and wooded peatland habitats. Future actions for PPN management may need to be considered, along with the likelihood that these PPN might impact future paludiculture and other crops and trees growing in nearby agricultural lands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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25 pages, 13903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis about the Spatial Heterogeneity of Water Conservation Services Function Using a Space–Time Cube Constructed Based on Ecosystem and Soil Types

by Yisheng Liu, Peng Hou, Ping Wang, Jian Zhu, Jun Zhai, Yan Chen, Jiahao Wang and Le Xie

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100638 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Precisely delineating the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of water conservation services function (WCF) holds paramount importance for watershed management. However, the existing assessment techniques exhibit common limitations, such as utilizing only multi-year average values for spatial changes and relying solely on the spatial average values [...] Read more.

Precisely delineating the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of water conservation services function (WCF) holds paramount importance for watershed management. However, the existing assessment techniques exhibit common limitations, such as utilizing only multi-year average values for spatial changes and relying solely on the spatial average values for temporal changes. Moreover, traditional research does not encompass all WCF values at each time step and spatial grid, hindering quantitative analysis of spatial heterogeneity in WCF. This study addresses these limitations by utilizing an improved water balance model based on ecosystem type and soil type (ESM-WBM) and employing the EFAST and Sobol’ method for parameter sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, a space–time cube of WCF, constructed using remote-sensing data, is further explored by Emerging Hot Spot Analysis for the expression of WCF spatial heterogeneity. Additionally, this study investigates the impact of two core parameters: neighborhood distance and spatial relationship conceptualization type. The results reveal that (1) the ESM-WBM model demonstrates high sensitivity toward ecosystem types and soil data, facilitating the accurate assessment of the impacts of ecosystem and soil pattern alterations on WCF; (2) the EHSA categorizes WCF into 17 patterns, which in turn allows for adjustments to ecological compensation policies in related areas based on each pattern; and (3) neighborhood distance and the type of spatial relationships conceptualization significantly impacts the results of EHSA. In conclusion, this study offers references for analyzing the spatial heterogeneity of WCF, providing a theoretical foundation for regional water resource management and ecological restoration policies with tailored strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Habitat Assessment and Conservation Strategies)

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1 pages, 152 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Müller et al. Henneguya correai n. sp. (Cnidaria, Myxozoa) Parasitizing the Fins of the Amazonian Fish Semaprochilodus insignis. Diversity 2023, 15, 702

by Maria I. Müller, Rayline T. A. Figueredo, Stephen D. Atkinson, Jerri L. Bartholomew and Edson A. Adriano

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100637 (registering DOI) - 14 Oct 2024

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Abstract

In the published publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Taxonomy and Systematics of Fish Parasites)

7 pages, 1217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metazoan Parasites of Antimora rostrata (Günther, 1878) (Gadiformes: Moridae) from the Deep Sea in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean

by Luis A. Ñacari, Ruben Escribano and Marcelo E. Oliva

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100636 (registering DOI) - 12 Oct 2024

Viewed by 193

Abstract

A total of 127 specimens of the “Blue Antimora” Antimora rostrata (Günther, 1878) were obtained from 2015 to 2019 as bycatch from the artisanal fishery of the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides (Smitt, 1898)) at depths between 1000 and 2200 m in Northern [...] Read more.

A total of 127 specimens of the “Blue Antimora” Antimora rostrata (Günther, 1878) were obtained from 2015 to 2019 as bycatch from the artisanal fishery of the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides (Smitt, 1898)) at depths between 1000 and 2200 m in Northern Chile (app. 22° S 70° W). All individuals were examined for parasites. A total of seventeen parasite taxa, two Copepoda, two Monogenea, seven Digenea, three Nematoda, and three Cestoda, were found, and twelve taxa were found as adults while five taxa were found at the larval stage. Anisakis sp. (Nematoda) and Trypanorhyncha gen. sp. (Cestoda) were the predominant species with a prevalence of 53.5% and 11.8%, respectively. The high prevalence of Anisakis sp. (>50%) suggests that A. rostrata may play a significant role in the life cycle of Anisakis sp. in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. The detected parasite community, consisting predominantly of parasites from pelagic environments rather than benthopelagic, suggests that A. rostrata may fulfill a crucial role as a predator of pelagic organism communities. Additionally, it may undertake vertical migrations in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy, Biodiversity and Ecology of Parasites of Aquatic Organisms—2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 1795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geographical Variation in the Sand Cat, Felis margarita (Carnivora: Felidae)

by Andrew C. Kitchener, Alexei V. Abramov, Géraldine Veron, Lisa Banfield, Helen Senn, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi and Andrey Yu. Puzachenko

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100635 - 11 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Sand cats, Felis margarita, range from northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to Central Asia. Their apparently discontinuous distribution is recognized as comprising four subspecies. Recent genetic research found little differentiation between subspecies except for the North African form. In this study, [...] Read more.

Sand cats, Felis margarita, range from northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula to Central Asia. Their apparently discontinuous distribution is recognized as comprising four subspecies. Recent genetic research found little differentiation between subspecies except for the North African form. In this study, 90 skins and 88 skulls were analyzed from the four subspecies. A discriminant function analysis of the scores, ranging from 1 to 4, of four pelage characteristics revealed differentiation between putative subspecies, except between Turkmenian and Pakistani sand cats. Northern African and Arabian sand cats tend to be spotted and striped, while Turkmenian and Pakistani sand cats are less spotted and have a dorsal crest of fur. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) models generated from 21 skull measurements revealed an overlap in morphospace between all subspecies, except for larger Turkmenian sand cats; northern African sand cats were smallest. Therefore, both pelage characteristics and skull morphometrics support up to three subspecies. However, considering recent genetic research, it is likely that two subspecies should be recognized, F. m. margarita from northern Africa and F. m. thinobia from the Arabian Peninsula, and Southwest and Central Asia. Widening of the dataset and nuclear DNA evidence are required to increase our understanding of geographical variation in this little studied species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Evolution of Mammals)

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12 pages, 985 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alternative DNA Markers to Detect Guam-Specific CRB-G (Clade I) Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Indicate That the Beetle Did Not Disperse from Guam to the Solomon Islands or Palau

by Wee Tek Tay, Sean D. G. Marshall, Angel David Popa-Baez, Glenn F. J. Dulla, Andrea L. Blas, Juniaty W. Sambiran, Meldy Hosang, Justine Bennette H. Millado, Michael Melzer, Rahul V. Rane, Tim Hogarty, Demi Yi-Chun Cho, Jelfina C. Alouw, Muhammad Faheem and Benjamin D. Hoffmann

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100634 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 614

Abstract

A partial mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene haplotype variant of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) Oryctes rhinoceros, classed as ‘CRB-G (clade I)’, has been the focus of much research since 2007, with reports of invasions into new [...] Read more.

A partial mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene haplotype variant of the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) Oryctes rhinoceros, classed as ‘CRB-G (clade I)’, has been the focus of much research since 2007, with reports of invasions into new Pacific Island locations (e.g., Guam, Hawaii, Solomons Islands). For numerous invasive species, inference of invasion biology via whole genome is superior to assessments via the partial mtCOI gene. Here, we explore CRB draft mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from historical and recent collections, with assessment focused on individuals associated within the CRB-G (clade I) classification. We found that all Guam CRB individuals possessed the same mitogenome across all 13 protein-coding genes and differed from individuals collected elsewhere, including ‘non-Guam’ individuals designated as CRB-G (clade I) by partial mtCOI assessment. Two alternative ATP6 and COIII partial gene primer sets were developed to enable distinction between CRB individuals from Guam that classed within the CRB-G (clade I) haplotype grouping and CRB-G (Clade I) individuals collected elsewhere. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated ATP6–COIII genes showed that only Guam CRB-G (clade I) individuals clustered together, and therefore Guam was not the source of the CRB that invaded the other locations in the Pacific assessed in this study. The use of the mtCOI and/or mtCOIII genes for initial molecular diagnosis of CRB remained crucial, and assessment of more native CRB populations will further advance our ability to identify the provenance of CRB invasions being reported within the Pacific and elsewhere. Full article

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14 pages, 6493 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Fungal Diversity Detected by ITS-5.8S from Coffea arabica Leaves Infected by Rust (Hemileia vastatrix) in Southern Ecuador

by Darío Cruz, Andrea Jaramillo-Riofrío, Paulo Herrera, Ruth Aguinsaca and Marianela Chamba

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100633 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 377

Abstract

Coffee production worldwide is affected by the pathogen Hemileia vastatrix, which causes the “coffee rust” disease and may be associated with other fungi. Ecuador lacks studies on fungal diversity associated with coffee rust, which could potentially control or escalate pathogen activity. Using [...] Read more.

Coffee production worldwide is affected by the pathogen Hemileia vastatrix, which causes the “coffee rust” disease and may be associated with other fungi. Ecuador lacks studies on fungal diversity associated with coffee rust, which could potentially control or escalate pathogen activity. Using the ITS-5.8S nrDNA region, we randomly detected a small preliminary fungi diversity related to coffee rust in Ecuador, which we report here for the first time. Ten coffee farms (four in Loja, three in Calvas, and three in Quilanga) from the Loja Province were sampled to analyze the genetic diversity of the pathogen Hemileia vastatrix in rust lesions on coffee leaves. A high number of selected sequences (Sanger sequencing) showed the presence of 48 OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) or “hypothetical species” of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes distributed across all the sampled farms. The genera Akanthomyces, Ceramothyrium, Cladosporium, Didymella, Fusarium, Mycosphaerella, Neoceratosperma, and Trichothecium of Ascomycetes, as well as Bulleribasidium, Hannaella, and Meira of Basidiomycetes, were the most abundant. To avoid taxonomic conflict, some sequences were placed into Capnodiales (Ascomycetes) and Tremelalles (Basidiomycetes) without a genus definition. A new phylogenetic group of sequences is considered Incertae Sedis from Basidiomycetes. Additionally, morphospecies of Akanthomyces (synonymous with some Lecanicillium species) and Colletotrichum were observed macroscopically and microscopically growing closely with rust. Most of the OTUs probably correspond to rust mycoparasites, as previously reported in the literature. However, this study is limited by the number of sequences analyzed phylogenetically, which may hinder the discovery of significant insights. Future studies are needed to determine whether this preliminary fungal diversity is associated with the rust fungus or corresponds to ubiquitous airborne fungi. Furthermore, research into the function of these species may reveal whether they promote rust pathogenicity or enhance plant responses by activating resistance mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungal Diversity)

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31 pages, 5654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Radiation of Landhoppers (Crustacea, Amphipoda) in New Zealand

by Olivier J.-P. Ball, Alan A. Myers, Stephen R. Pohe and Lara D. Shepherd

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100632 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 506

Abstract

A synopsis of current knowledge of the diversity of the New Zealand landhopper fauna is provided. A combination of morphological and molecular analysis was employed on material from across New Zealand. Thirteen new endemic genera soon to be formally described have been discovered, [...] Read more.

A synopsis of current knowledge of the diversity of the New Zealand landhopper fauna is provided. A combination of morphological and molecular analysis was employed on material from across New Zealand. Thirteen new endemic genera soon to be formally described have been discovered, including four belonging to the widespread families Talitridae and Arcitalitridae. These are families that had not been previously reported from New Zealand. We document the existence of at least 48 new provisional native species. This number far exceeds the 28 species currently described. Some described species are now shown to be species complexes, and a few of these are very diverse with numerous cryptic species. Six changes to the existing taxonomy are proposed. Dallwitzia simularis (Hurley, 1957) is transferred from Makawidae Myers & Lowry, 2020 to Talitridae Rafinesque, 1815; Kellyduncania hauturu (Duncan, 1994) is reinstated as a member of Dana Lowry, 2011; Kellyduncania (Lowry & Myers, 2019) is relegated to a synonym of Dana Lowry, 2011; Kanikania Duncan, 1994 is transferred from Makawidae Myers & Lowry, 2020 to Arcitalitridae Myers & Lowry, 2020; Parorchestia longicornis is transferred to Kanikania Duncan, 1994; Waematau kaitaia (Duncan, 1994) is transferred to Kohuroa Lowry, Myers & Nakano, 2019; and Waematau unuwhao (Duncan, 1994) is transferred to Omaiorchestia Lowry & Myers, 2019. This reduces the number of described New Zealand genera from 17 to 16. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Evolution within the Amphipoda)

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8 pages, 6845 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Gone with the Wind: Disappearance of Ulva-Driven Green Tides with Super Typhoons in Jeju Waters, South Korea

by Sun Kyeong Choi, Kyeonglim Moon, Taihun Kim, Young Baek Son and Sang Rul Park

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100631 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 274

Abstract

Jeju Island, located in the northern East China Sea, is experiencing a rapid rise in water temperature due to climate change. This has led to the increased activity of subtropical species and extreme fluctuations in coastal ecosystems, such as macroalgal blooms and coral [...] Read more.

Jeju Island, located in the northern East China Sea, is experiencing a rapid rise in water temperature due to climate change. This has led to the increased activity of subtropical species and extreme fluctuations in coastal ecosystems, such as macroalgal blooms and coral bleaching. Additionally, the region is experiencing more frequent and intense typhoons. This study investigated the green tides caused by Ulva, particularly Ulva ohnoi, a subtropical species, and the effects of typhoons on these blooms through photographic analysis of the Jeju coastline. The study area was consistently covered by Ulva species every August from 2020 to 2022. Super typhoons struck Jeju Island every September during the study period, with wind speeds exceeding 20 m/s. In 2020 and 2022, the green tides largely dissipated following the typhoons. This ironic outcome highlights how climate-driven increases in subtropical Ulva biomass are being mitigated by the increasing frequency of super typhoons. However, despite the impact of super typhoon Chanthu in September 2021, there was no significant reduction in the Ulva bloom area. This anomaly may be attributable to the dominant easterly wind system in 2021, as the study area faces east, preventing the typhoon from influencing the distribution of Ulva blooms. These findings suggest that the wind intensity and direction of annual typhoons play a critical role in determining the resolution of green tide outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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22 pages, 62132 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Impact of Land Use on Biodiversity Based on Multiple Scenarios—A Case Study of Southwest China

by Yingzhi Kuang, Hao Zhou and Lun Yin

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100630 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 369

Abstract

The main causes of habitat conversion, degradation, and fragmentation—all of which add to the loss in biodiversity—are human activities, such as urbanization and farmland reclamation. In order to inform scientific land management and biodiversity conservation strategies and, therefore, advance sustainable development, it is [...] Read more.

The main causes of habitat conversion, degradation, and fragmentation—all of which add to the loss in biodiversity—are human activities, such as urbanization and farmland reclamation. In order to inform scientific land management and biodiversity conservation strategies and, therefore, advance sustainable development, it is imperative to evaluate the effects of land-use changes on biodiversity, especially in areas with high biodiversity. Using data from five future land-use scenarios under various Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) and Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs), this study systematically assesses the characteristics of land-use and landscape pattern changes in southwest China by 2050. This study builds a comprehensive biodiversity index and forecasts trends in species richness and habitat quality using models like Fragstats and InVEST to evaluate the overall effects of future land-use changes on biodiversity. The research yielded the subsequent conclusions: (1) Grasslands and woods will continue to be the primary land uses in southwest China in the future. But the amount of grassland is expected to decrease by 11,521 to 102,832 km², and the amounts of wasteland and urban area are expected to increase by 8130 to 16,293 km² and 4028 to 19,677 km², respectively. Furthermore, it is anticipated that metropolitan areas will see an increase in landscape fragmentation and shape complexity, whereas forests and wastelands will see a decrease in these aspects. (2) In southwest China, there is a synergistic relationship between species richness and habitat quality, and both are still at relatively high levels. In terms of species richness and habitat quality, the percentage of regions categorized as outstanding and good range from 71.63% to 74.33% and 70.13% to 75.83%, respectively. The environmental circumstances for species survival and habitat quality are expected to worsen in comparison to 2020, notwithstanding these high levels. Western Sichuan, southern Guizhou, and western Yunnan are home to most of the high-habitat-quality and species-richness areas, while the western plateau is home to the majority of the lower scoring areas. (3) The majority of areas (89.84% to 94.29%) are forecast to undergo little change in the spatial distribution of biodiversity in southwest China, and the general quality of the ecological environment is predicted to stay favorable. Except in the SSP1-RCP2.6 scenario, however, it is expected that the region with declining biodiversity will exceed those with increasing biodiversity. In comparison to 2020, there is a projected decline of 1.0562% to 5.2491% in the comprehensive biodiversity index. These results underscore the major obstacles to the conservation of biodiversity in the area, highlighting the need to fortify macro-level land-use management, put into practice efficient regional conservation plans, and incorporate traditional knowledge in order to save biodiversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity Conservation Planning and Assessment)

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73 pages, 77432 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Portofino Promontory: 200 Years of History of Marine Biology

by Giorgio Bavestrello, Federico Betti, Carlo Nike Bianchi, Valentina Cappanera, Mariachiara Chiantore, Nicola Corradi, Monica Montefalcone, Mauro Giorgio Mariotti, Carla Morri, Paolo Povero, Giulio Relini, Stefano Schiaparelli and Marzia Bo

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100629 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 841

Abstract

This paper outlines the history of scientific research developed in the Portofino Promontory, located in the centre of the Ligurian Sea. The chronicles span over two centuries, from the late 18th century to the present day. Portofino is now recognised as one of [...] Read more.

This paper outlines the history of scientific research developed in the Portofino Promontory, located in the centre of the Ligurian Sea. The chronicles span over two centuries, from the late 18th century to the present day. Portofino is now recognised as one of the best-known areas in the world regarding marine biological communities and their temporal dynamics, particularly in relation to current climate changes. In addition, since 1999, with the establishment of the Marine Protected Area, significant research related to marine environment conservation has developed in Portofino. The role of the University of Genoa, the Natural History Museum, other important institutions, and the researchers involved in the Portofino area has been outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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17 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Substrate Preferences and Interspecific Affinities of Antarctic Macroalgae: Insights from Maxwell Bay, King George Island

by Young Wook Ko, Kwon Mo Yang and Han-Gu Choi

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100628 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 349

Abstract

This study investigates the diversity and ecological dynamics of macroalgae in Maxwell Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, focusing on species distribution, substrate composition, and interspecific interactions. Across nine survey sites, 31 macroalgal species were recorded, with 12 species identified as significant due to [...] Read more.

This study investigates the diversity and ecological dynamics of macroalgae in Maxwell Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, focusing on species distribution, substrate composition, and interspecific interactions. Across nine survey sites, 31 macroalgal species were recorded, with 12 species identified as significant due to their considerable relative frequency, coverage, and biomass. Palmaria decipiens was the most dominant species in terms of frequency and coverage, while Desmarestia anceps had the highest biomass. The study revealed distinct substrate preferences, with P. decipiens favoring cobble and mud substrates, and Himantothallus grandifolius associating predominantly with pebble substrates. A core group of species, including Plocamium sp., H. grandifolius, Picconiella plumosa, Iridaea sp., and Trematocarpus antarcticus, exhibited strong ecological interactions characterized by high substrate similarity and mutual affinity. In contrast, pioneer species like P. decipiens and Monostroma hariotii showed lower affinity with other species, reflecting their early successional roles. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex interspecific relationships within Antarctic macroalgal assemblage and provide valuable baseline data for future ecological studies in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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10 pages, 1835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Mercury Contamination Levels in the Sediments of Two Pyrenean Lakes

by Cristian Yoel Quintero-Castañeda, Luis Roberto Hernández-Angulo, Daniel Tobón-Vélez, Anamaría Franco-Leyva and María Margarita Sierra-Carrillo

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100627 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 259

Abstract

Mercury, a trace metal, is a persistent environmental pollutant that can be detected even in remote regions, including high-mountain lakes. This study examined mercury concentrations in the sediment of two lakes in the French Pyrenees, the Legunabens and Labant lakes. Sediment samples were [...] Read more.

Mercury, a trace metal, is a persistent environmental pollutant that can be detected even in remote regions, including high-mountain lakes. This study examined mercury concentrations in the sediment of two lakes in the French Pyrenees, the Legunabens and Labant lakes. Sediment samples were collected using a Hon-Kajak Sediment Corer, and mercury concentrations were measured following the EPA 7473 method with a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). Mercury levels reached up to 283 ng g⁻¹ in the Legunabens lake and up to 110 ng g⁻¹ in the Labant lake, possibly linked to the mining history of the Ariège department and atmospheric deposition from distant sources. These findings indicate significant contamination, ranging from an 8% to 42% probability of generating adverse biological effects according to Canadian standards, and approximately 90% higher concentrations compared to average mercury concentrations in other Pyrenean lakes. Such contamination poses potential risks to aquatic life and the environment due to mercury’s toxicity and bioaccumulation in microorganisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Mountain Lakes, Indicators of Global Change: Ecological Characterization and Environmental Pressures-2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 16372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Diversity Profiles of Forested Landscapes in the Mediterranean Spain: Their Contribution to Local and Regional Vascular Plant Diversity

by José M. García del Barrio, David Sánchez de Ron, Francisco Auñón, Raquel Benavides, Rafael Alonso Ponce, Sergio González-Ávila, Francisco Bolaños, Sonia Roig and Marta Ortega Quero

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100626 - 10 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Biodiversity monitoring is key for understanding the delivery of ecosystem functions and services. Mediterranean forests and woodlands harbor many characteristic species of the Mediterranean vascular flora, and hence, they are a good surrogate for detecting changes in biodiversity linked to global change. In [...] Read more.

Biodiversity monitoring is key for understanding the delivery of ecosystem functions and services. Mediterranean forests and woodlands harbor many characteristic species of the Mediterranean vascular flora, and hence, they are a good surrogate for detecting changes in biodiversity linked to global change. In this work, we present a database resulting from the study of vascular plant diversity in multi-scale plots of 0.1 ha, measured around the first decade of this century and located in Mediterranean forest environments. Diversity profiles are calculated from Hill numbers (0, 1 and 2) for local (α) and regional (ϒ) diversity, as well as a multiplicative calculation of differential diversity (β). The main Mediterranean forests sampled had a medium coverage of 51% and stand dominant height of 10.6 m, and they were monospecific in two-thirds of cases. Local diversity reaches its highest values (around 78 species per 0.1 ha) in Holm oak dehesas, with values below 50 species for the most productive forest stands dominated by species of the genus Pinus. As regards the contribution to regional diversity, broadleaf formations contribute the most, with stone pine forests and dehesas in an intermediate position, and pine forests contributing the lowest in species richness terms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2024 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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21 pages, 29272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Terrestrial Aerophytic Cyanobacteria in the Canary Island Laurel-Forest (Laurisilva): Discovery of Brasilonema novocanariensis sp. nov. and Rhizonema melkonianarum sp. nov. from the Laurus Phyllosphere

by Nereida M. Rancel-Rodríguez, Christophe Vieira and Marta Sansón

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100625 - 10 Oct 2024

Viewed by 421

Abstract

Cyanobacteria, known for their remarkable adaptability, are a diverse group of oxygenic photoautotrophic organisms found in various habitats worldwide. While their presence in aquatic ecosystems has been extensively studied, research on terrestrial and aerophytic cyanobacteria remains relatively limited, particularly concerning their taxonomic diversity [...] Read more.

Cyanobacteria, known for their remarkable adaptability, are a diverse group of oxygenic photoautotrophic organisms found in various habitats worldwide. While their presence in aquatic ecosystems has been extensively studied, research on terrestrial and aerophytic cyanobacteria remains relatively limited, particularly concerning their taxonomic diversity and molecular characteristics. In this study, utilizing morphological and molecular data derived from the 16S rRNA gene, we unveiled and described two new species of filamentous cyanobacteria growing epiphytically on Laurus novocanariensis in the laurel forest (laurisilva) of the Canary Islands. The first species, Brasilonema novocanariensis sp. nov., belongs to a genus of aerophytic and subaerophytic nostocalean cyanobacteria. The second, Rhizonema melkonianarum sp. nov., belongs to the genus Rhizonema. The discovery of a new species of Brasilonema from the Canary Islands related to species initially found on the opposite side of the Atlantic Ocean, and recently in Asia, Europe, and Portugal, raises questions about their dispersal mechanisms, whether through natural means or human-mediated processes, prompting the need for future studies to investigate these propagation patterns. In the case of Rhizonema melkonianarum sp. nov., the transition from adapting to a basidiolichen host to inhabiting the phyllosphere of angiosperms raises ecological and evolutionary adaptation questions regarding cyanobacterial adaptability and their ecological roles in diverse habitats. This research expands our understanding of the diversity and geographic distribution of these terrestrial phyllosphere-associated cyanobacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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25 pages, 2521 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Analysis of Island vs. Mainland Arthropod Communities in Coastal Grasslands Belonging to Two Distinct Regions: São Miguel Island (Azores) and Mainland Portugal

by Hugo Renato M. G. Calado, Paulo A. V. Borges, Ruben Heleno and António O. Soares

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100624 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 577

Abstract

Coastal grasslands host diverse arthropod communities and provide important ecosystem services. Islands, being isolated environments, are expected to have simpler ecosystems than continental areas, with the few successful colonizing species often attaining high densities; however, these patterns are still poorly documented for coastal [...] Read more.

Coastal grasslands host diverse arthropod communities and provide important ecosystem services. Islands, being isolated environments, are expected to have simpler ecosystems than continental areas, with the few successful colonizing species often attaining high densities; however, these patterns are still poorly documented for coastal grassland arthropods. We conducted a comparative study of the biodiversity of arthropod communities in two distinct coastal grassland ecosystems (Portugal mainland and the Azores) with the following objectives: (a) to investigate the arthropod community composition in both locations; (b) to compare the diversity profiles in both locations; (c) to investigate potential density compensation in the island’s arthropod communities. For four months, arthropods were collected on the Island of São Miguel, Setúbal Peninsula, and Sine’s region and subsequently classified into taxonomic groups. With the data collected, Hill Numbers were calculated for each region. We confirmed that the richness on the mainland was higher than in the Azores, and we found some apparent abundance compensation in the Azores. At the same time, we also observed that many species in the Azores are also present in the continental coastal grasslands of mainland Portugal. Full article

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14 pages, 6861 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Gut Microbiome and Lignocellulose Digestion in Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae): A Termite Incorporating Lichen into Its Diet

by Alberto Arab, Luciana Campos Paulino, Maria Socorro Lacerda Rolim, Letícia Ramos de Menezes, Mário Herculano de Oliveira, Renato Augusto Corrêa dos Santos, João Paulo Lourenço Franco Cairo, Maria Avany Bezerra-Gusmão, Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo, Hélida Cunha and David Sillam-Dussès

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100623 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 593

Abstract

Lichen-feeding termites occupy a distinctive ecological niche. This feeding behavior underscores a complex interplay between the termites’ digestive abilities and the biochemical properties of lichens, known for their resilience and production of secondary metabolites. Understanding the dietary preferences and digestive mechanisms of these [...] Read more.

Lichen-feeding termites occupy a distinctive ecological niche. This feeding behavior underscores a complex interplay between the termites’ digestive abilities and the biochemical properties of lichens, known for their resilience and production of secondary metabolites. Understanding the dietary preferences and digestive mechanisms of these termites offers insights into their ecological roles and the evolutionary adaptations that enable them to exploit such a specialized food source. We conducted experiments with Constrictotermes cyphergaster, feeding it with different combinations of its natural food sources: wood bark and lichen from host trees. Gut microbial communities were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. Our results revealed that a diet containing lichens induces a shift in microbiota composition and increases the abundance of genes encoding an AA3 enzyme with a role in lignin digestion. This study emphasizes the potential role of lichens in enhancing the digestive capabilities of termites, highlighting the intricate relationships between diet, gut microbiota, and enzymatic activity in Termitidae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Ecology of Termites)

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29 pages, 10333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How to Recognize Mosses from Extant Groups among Paleozoic and Mesozoic Fossils

by Michael S. Ignatov, Tatyana V. Voronkova, Ulyana N. Spirina and Svetlana V. Polevova

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100622 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 659

Abstract

This paper describes a range of Paleozoic and Mesozoic mosses and assesses how far they can be referred to extant taxa at the family, ordinal, or class levels. The present study provides new data on Paleozoic mosses of the order Protosphagnales, re-evaluating affinities [...] Read more.

This paper describes a range of Paleozoic and Mesozoic mosses and assesses how far they can be referred to extant taxa at the family, ordinal, or class levels. The present study provides new data on Paleozoic mosses of the order Protosphagnales, re-evaluating affinities of some groups previously thought to be unrelated. The leaf areolation pattern, combined with the leaf costa anatomy, results in the subdivision of Protosphagnales into five separate families: Protosphagnaceae (at least six genera), Polyssaieviaceae (at least three genera), and three monogeneric families: Rhizonigeritaceae, Palaeosphagnaceae, and Servicktiaceae. We urge caution in referring Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic fossil mosses as members of Dicranidae and Bryidae, as they may belong to the extinct moss order Protosphagnales. Additional evidence supports the relation of the Permian genus Arvildia to extant Andreaeopsida. We segregate Late Palaeozoic and Early Mesozoic mosses that are superficially similar to extant members of either Dicranales or Polytrichales, into the artificial informal group of Archaeodicranids, distinguishing them from ecostate Paleozoic and Mesozoic mosses, which are combined here into another artificial informal group, Bryokhutuliinids. The latter includes the genus Bryokhutuliinia, widespread in contemporary Asia, from the Middle Jurassic to the Lower Cretaceous, as well as other superficially similar ecostate plants from different regions worldwide, ranging from the Upper Palaeozoic to the Lower Cretaceous. A list of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Eocene moss fossils suitable for age calibration in phylogenetic trees is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phylogeny, Ages, Molecules and Fossils of Land Plants)

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21 pages, 3480 KiB

Open AccessReview

Patterns of Zoological Diversity in Iran—A Review

by Sajad Noori, Reza Zahiri, Gholam Hosein Yusefi, Mahdi Rajabizadeh, Oliver Hawlitschek, Ehsan Rakhshani, Martin Husemann and Hossein Rajaei

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100621 - 8 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Iran is a country characterized by high biodiversity and complex biogeographic patterns. Its diverse landscape and steep climatic gradients have resulted in significant faunal diversity and high level of endemism. To better understand these patterns, we investigated the historical environmental drivers that have [...] Read more.

Iran is a country characterized by high biodiversity and complex biogeographic patterns. Its diverse landscape and steep climatic gradients have resulted in significant faunal diversity and high level of endemism. To better understand these patterns, we investigated the historical environmental drivers that have shaped Iran’s current geological and climatological conditions, and, consequently, have shaped the current zoological distribution patterns. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the country’s zoological diversity and zoogeography by reviewing published studies on its fauna. We analyzed nearly all available catalogs, updated checklists, and relevant publications, and synthesized them to present a comprehensive overview of Iran’s biodiversity. Our review reports approximately 37,500 animal species for Iran. We also demonstrated that the country serves as a biogeographic transition zone among three zoogeographical realms: the Palearctic, Oriental, and Saharo-Arabian, where distinct faunal elements intersect. This biogeographic complexity has made it challenging to delineate clear zoogeographical zones, leading to varying classifications depending on the taxon. The uplift of mountain ranges, in particular, has played a crucial role in shaping faunal diversity by serving as barriers, corridors, and glacial refugia. These mountains are largely the result of orogeny and plate collisions during the Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras, coupled with the development of the Tethyan Sea and the uplift of several ranges during the Miocene. Despite these insights, our understanding of biodiversity distribution in Iran remains incomplete, even for some well-studied taxa, such as certain vertebrate families and arthropods. We highlight the existing gaps in knowledge regarding zoogeographical patterns and propose approaches to address these gaps, particularly concerning less-studied species and the highly diverse group of insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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18 pages, 2191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Meta-Analysis Reveals Behavioral Plasticity, Not Agonistic Behavior, Facilitates Invasion of Brown Anoles (Anolis sagrei) and Replacement of Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis)

by Maya A. Jackson and Sonny S. Bleicher

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100620 - 8 Oct 2024

Viewed by 723

Abstract

In a meta-analysis, we examined the behavioral portfolio of invasive brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) and native green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) in urban and non-urban environments. We hypothesized that invasive anoles would display more agonistic and bold signals (head bobbing, [...] Read more.

In a meta-analysis, we examined the behavioral portfolio of invasive brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) and native green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) in urban and non-urban environments. We hypothesized that invasive anoles would display more agonistic and bold signals (head bobbing, dewlap extensions, and pushups) than their native-range counterparts and their native competitors. We found that in urban settings, anoles of both species signaled more with dewlap extensions than with head bobs. Brown anoles displayed significantly more in non-urban habitats and their native range compared to urban habitats and invasive ranges. The outcome of our analysis suggests that brown anoles have plastic behavioral portfolios, whereas green anoles have relatively balanced preferences for head bobbing, irrespective of the habitat in which the populations were collected. We attribute the success of the brown anole invasion to the flexible strategy in the face of higher mate competition, higher predation risks, and less resource competition in both urban and invasive ranges. Lastly, we observed publication biases. More studies were conducted with urban and invasive brown anoles and specifically in manipulative mesocosm experimental settings—transplanting populations from native field settings. We show this altered the display rates across all studied signals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ectotherms in a Dynamic Environment: Understanding Patterns of Ecology, Distribution, Evolution, and Threats to Species)

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29 pages, 19422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Palaeoenvironmental Analysis of the Southern Part of the Danube–Tisza Interfluve (Hungary): The Northern Loess Wall of Katymár and the Hay Meadows and Loess Banks of Hajós

by Tamás Zsolt Vári, Elemér Pál-Molnár and Pál Sümegi

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100619 - 6 Oct 2024

Viewed by 721

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the southern part of the Danube–Tisza interfluve in the Carpathian Basin from the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene, addressing the region’s response to global climate forcings and local environmental factors based on multi-proxy analyses of [...] Read more.

This study presents a comprehensive palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the southern part of the Danube–Tisza interfluve in the Carpathian Basin from the Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene, addressing the region’s response to global climate forcings and local environmental factors based on multi-proxy analyses of two key protected areas: the Katymár brickyard and the hay meadows and loess banks of Hajós. By integrating radiocarbon-dated malacological, macrobotanical, pollen, phytolith, geochemical, and sedimentological analyses, it was possible to provide a picture of past climate–ecosystem interactions. The Katymár North sequence provides an extended chronology from Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS3, ca. 36,000 cal BP) through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and into the Early Holocene, while the Hajós sequence offers high-resolution data for the LGM–Holocene transition. By the late Ice Age, humidity and surface moisture superseded temperature as primary palaeoecological limiting factors, promoting ecotone-like forest–steppe environments during cooling periods. Full article

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29 pages, 13013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Land Use Ecological-Social-Production Functions and Interrelationships from the Perspective of Multifunctional Landscape in a Transitional Zone between Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Loess Plateau

by Yu Ma, Wenfeng Ji, Qingxiang Meng, Yali Zhang, Ling Li, Mengxue Liu and Hejie Wei

Diversity 2024, 16(10), 618; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16100618 - 3 Oct 2024

Viewed by 393

Abstract

Investigating the evolution and drivers of multifunctional land use is essential for sustainable land management and regional biological conservation. This research focuses on the Hehuang Valley, where we developed an “ecological-social-production” evaluation system for assessing land use multifunctionality from the perspective of multifunctional [...] Read more.

Investigating the evolution and drivers of multifunctional land use is essential for sustainable land management and regional biological conservation. This research focuses on the Hehuang Valley, where we developed an “ecological-social-production” evaluation system for assessing land use multifunctionality from the perspective of multifunctional landscape. Leveraging Geographic Information System technologies, we conducted a quantitative analysis of spatiotemporal variations in multifunctional land use across the valley in recently twenty years. Correlation coefficients were employed to identify trade-offs and synergies among various land use functions. Additionally, geographical detector and grey relational analysis models were utilized to pinpoint the factors influencing spatiotemporal changes in land use functions during the specified period. The results showed that: (1) During the period, the overall multifunctionality of land use in the Hehuang Valley exhibited an increasing trend. The economic production function of the land showed the highest growth, while the ecological and social functions showed lower growth. (2) In most areas of the Hehuang Valley, there was a positive correlation between social and economic production functions and a negative correlation between social and ecological functions, as well as between economic production and ecological functions. (3) Natural conditions were the main factors of spatial variation of land use comprehensive functions, but human factors, including land use intensity and the rate of farmland conversion to non-agricultural uses, were the primary drivers of temporal changes in multifunctional land use. The findings provide valuable references and scientific support for policymakers in optimizing land use and multifunctional landscape conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Landscape Science and Natural Resource Management)

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