Article
Thermodynamics
Rodolfo Farias Miranda, Nadia Maria Salgado-Herrera, Osvaldo Rodriguez-Hernandez, Juan Ramon Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Miguel Robles, Dante Ruiz-Robles, Vicente Venegas-Rebollar
Summary: Mexico's national electric grid consists of ten regional systems, including one isolated system in the southern part of the Baja California Peninsula. In order to overcome the challenge of providing electricity access, distributed renewable energy solutions are crucial for meeting the electricity demand and promoting grid development.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Luis M. Farfan, Bradford S. Barrett, G. B. Raga, Julian J. Delgado
Summary: Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are common during the warm season in northwestern Mexico, but understudied. This study updates previous research and focuses on the lifecycle, structure, and motion of MCSs, showing that they often cause heavy rainfall and strong winds. MCSs can occasionally move across the Gulf of California to reach the southern Baja California Peninsula.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hernan Vazquez-Miranda, Robert M. Zink, Brendan J. Pinto
Summary: Comparative phylogeography is used to understand the current genetic and phenotypic structures of co-distributed species. This study investigated the Baja California peninsula and adjacent desert regions using genome-wide SNP data, revealing concordant historical divisions in the cactus wren and LeConte's thrasher near the Vizcaino Desert, an intermediate stage of divergence in the Gila woodpecker, and a lack of phylogeographic structure in the California gnatcatcher. The evolutionary division at the Vizcaino desert is significant and should be recognized as historically important for conservation.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
R. M. Prol-Ledesma, A. A. Rodriguez-Diaz, C. E. Gonzalez-Idarraga, I. A. Gonzalez-Romo, A. S. Membrillo-Abad, M. Errasti, M. A. Torres-Vera
Summary: Geophysical surveys have discovered a previously unrecognized geothermal system in the San Felipe Valley, with a potential size similar to the Cerro Prieto geothermal field. The presence of low resistivity anomalies, high temperatures at depth, and active fault systems indicate the suitability of this area for geothermal energy production. The estimated energy potential of the San Felipe prospect is significant and can contribute a substantial amount of electricity to the state of Baja California.
NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Rivas, Francois Counillon, Noel Keenlyside
Summary: The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon has important impacts on physical and biogeochemical anomalies in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. A downscaling experiment using a numerical ocean model reproduced the regional sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies near the Baja California Peninsula. The experiment with online computation of surface fluxes achieved better representation of the event compared to the one with prescribed surface fluxes. Air temperature and wind stress anomalies are found to be the primary drivers of the formation of the BC temperature anomaly.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jack D. Hollister, Xiaohao Cai, Tammy Horton, Benjamin W. Price, Karolina M. Zarzyczny, Phillip B. Fenberg
Summary: The shell morphology of limpets can be difficult to identify visually, even for experts, due to its cryptic and variable nature. In this study, we demonstrate that computer vision models can assist with species identification. By analyzing digital images of limpet shells, the models were able to distinguish between different species and genera with slightly better accuracy and much faster speed compared to experts. The use of heatmaps further confirmed the focus on important morphological features for species and genus differentiation. This research highlights the significant potential of computer vision in enhancing species identification techniques and exploring the biology and ecology of limpets in greater detail.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Rafael A. Lara-Resendiz, Patricia Galina-Tessaro, Barry Sinervo, Donald B. Miles, Jorge H. Valdez-Villavicencio, Fernando Valle-Jimenez, Fausto R. Mendez-de La Cruz
Summary: Global climate change and habitat suitability erosion pose pervasive threats to biodiversity, requiring the identification of specific stressors to assess species vulnerability. This study employs a combination of field, laboratory, and modeling approaches to assess the potential consequences of climate change on two endemic lizard species from Baja California, Mexico. Results suggest high extinction risk for both species based on thermal habitat suitability, with one species potentially expanding northward while the other contracts significantly.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joscha Beninde, Erin M. Toffelmier, Aarron Andreas, Celina Nishioka, Meryl Slay, Ashley Soto, Justin P. Bueno, Germar Gonzalez, Hannah V. Pham, Molly Posta, Jordan L. Pace, H. Bradley Shaffer
Summary: CaliPopGen is a database that provides population genetic data for native and naturalized eukaryotic species in California, USA. It summarizes published literature from 1985 to 2020 and includes a large number of populations and a wide taxonomic breadth, enabling the exploration of ecological patterns and processes in California. It is an important resource for conservation management at regional and state levels.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anastasia Klimova, Ricardo Rodriguez-Estrella, Guanliang Meng, Jesus Neftali Gutierrez-Rivera, Maria Luisa Jimenez-Jimenez, Shanlin Liu
Summary: This study investigated the biodiversity dynamics in two contrasting and highly threatened ecosystems - deserts and oases - using arthropod community diversity and distribution patterns. The results showed that the community composition of arthropods in oases fluctuated more in space than in time, and anthropic activities negatively impacted arthropod diversity in oases. On the other hand, the season and biotic characteristics significantly affected the diversity of desert arthropod communities. Therefore, each oasis should be conserved individually to preserve the unique assemblages of invertebrates.
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTIONS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Juan Antonio De Anda-Montanez, Tania Zenteno-Savin, Eduardo F. Balart, Baudilio Acosta-Vargas, Ramon Gaxiola-Robles, Lia Celina Mendez-Rodriguez
Summary: This study evaluated differences in trace and macro element content in red crabs between years with and without El Nino conditions. It also assessed the composition of these elements between different sites along the Baja California Peninsula and the potential risk to human health from consuming red crabs. Significant differences were found in the content of these elements, mainly due to environmental variables that influence the vertical distribution of red crabs. The contribution of these elements to human nutrition and their potential risk to health were also evaluated.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Daniela A. Murillo-Cisneros, Tania Zenteno-Savin, John Harley, Andrew Cyr, Pablo Hernandez-Almaraz, Ramon Gaxiola-Robles, Felipe Galvan-Magana, Todd M. O'Hara
Summary: A study was conducted to determine total mercury concentrations ([THg]) in commercial finfish and elasmobranchs from Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico, with results showing that the relative risk of high mercury exposure is low for most species, although a few individuals had mercury concentrations exceeding recommended thresholds.
Article
Ornithology
Francisco J. Garcia-De Leon, Ricardo Rodriguez-Estrella, Veronica Mendoza-Portillo, Georgina Morales-Flores, Constanza Danaee Jimenez-Guevara
Summary: This study examines the genetic structure and phylogeographic patterns of Basilinna xantusii, a sexually dimorphic hummingbird species. The researchers found that there are five populations of this species on the Baja California Peninsula, with two populations showing little genetic admixture and three populations showing varying levels of admixed ancestry. There is also evidence of gene flow from north to south, and the observed genetic differentiation pattern is likely influenced by the behavior and dispersal patterns of males and females.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eleinis Avila-Lovera, Pedro P. Garcillan
Summary: Plants with green and fleshy stems occupy different climatic niches, with fleshy-stemmed species better adapted to areas with higher precipitation seasonality, while green-stemmed species are more suited to regions with higher and more predictable precipitation levels.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Enrique De Jesus Morales-Acuna, Sergio Aguiniga-Garcia, Rafael Cervantes-Duarte, Jean Linero-Cueto
Summary: This study estimates the desert dust balance and its relationship with environmental factors in the Baja California Sur region, Mexico from 1981 to 2020. The results show that dust emissions and dry deposition are controlled by wind intensity and precipitation, while precipitation controls wet deposition. Trend analysis reveals a lengthening of the dry season, warmer winters and summers, increasing trends in dust emissions and wind intensity, and a progressive decrease in dust deposition mechanisms.
EARTH SCIENCE INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Sanjay R. Mehta, Davey M. Smith, Celia Boukadida, Antoine Chaillon
Summary: Evolutionary analysis using viral sequence data can elucidate the epidemiology of transmission of the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 between California and Mexico. The introduction of these variants coincided with domestic migration events, and the spread of Omicron was consistent with gravity centric patterns within Mexico. Cross-border events accounted for a higher proportion of Omicron movements. Understanding viral transmission patterns can assist governmental responses to viral epidemics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ricardo Beldade, Gary C. Longo, Kendall D. Clements, D. Ross Robertson, Alejandro Perez-Matus, Shiro Itoi, Haruo Sugita, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: Nibblers, reef fishes mostly found in the Indo-Pacific, have an interesting distribution pattern with Girella stuebeli being an exception in the Cabo Verde Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Through studying genomic markers, it was discovered that G. stuebeli is closely related to a clade of three endemic species in the northwestern Pacific, diverging approximately 2.2 million years ago. The most likely migration route between these species is through the Indian Ocean and Southern Africa, based on geological history, oceanography, and molecular data analysis.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Christine N. Meynard, Giacomo Bernardi, Ceridwen Fraser, Judith Masters, Cynthia Riginos, Isabel Sanmartin, Krystal A. Tolley, Michael N. Dawson
Summary: Despite increasing awareness of inclusivity, equity, and diversity issues, progress in addressing gender disparities in science and academia has been slow. This article compiles highly cited papers led by women in the Journal of Biogeography since 2009 to equalize visibility of women's influential work. By highlighting influential contributions by women biogeographers, it aims to contribute towards balancing visibility across genders and creating a greater sense of belonging for women in the field.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ernesto Azzurro, Mathilde Nourigat, Francesca Cohn, Jamila Ben Souissi, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: Genetic studies on Lessepsian bioinvaders, particularly two invasive fishes, reveal divergent patterns with little genetic structure in rabbitfish and strong population structure in filefish at the boundary of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Loci under selection were found in populations near the Suez Canal, suggesting the essential role of selection for successful invasions. Osmoregulation-related genes were identified, indicating their importance for individuals crossing the salinity-variable Suez Canal.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: The Galapagos Archipelago has been extensively studied for terrestrial adaptive radiations, but little is known about marine species divergence among islands. This study focused on the Galapagos blue-banded goby, revealing potential for local adaptation in marine species within the archipelago.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Thiony Simon, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Simoni Santos, Raphael M. Macieira, Yrlene S. S. Ferreira, Giacomo Bernardi, Luiz A. Rocha, Sergio R. Floeter, Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: Studies on oceanic island biodiversity lay the foundation for theoretical work, while seamounts are relatively underexplored. The research suggests that seamounts play a crucial role in supporting subpopulations that eventually lead to island colonization, diversification, and a biodiversity feedback process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quinzia Palazzo, Fiorella Prada, Tim Steffens, Simona Fermani, Chiara Samori, Giacomo Bernardi, Alexis Terron-Sigler, Francesca Sparla, Giuseppe Falini, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: The skeletal features of coral species are influenced by their evolution, distribution, and habitat, with symbiotic algae contributing to increased growth and skeletal density in certain coral species. The presence of symbiosis can also affect the organic matrix content in the skeleton, while crystallographic features remain consistent among species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Giacomo Bernardi, Jason A. Toy, Merly Escalona, Mohan P. A. Marimuthu, Ruta Sahasrabudhe, Oanh Nguyen, Samuel Sacco, Eric Beraut, Erin Toffelmier, Courtney Miller, H. Bradley Shaffer
Summary: Surfperches are viviparous reef fishes that have limited dispersal, strong population structure, and potential for local adaptation. The genome of the Black Surfperch was sequenced to establish a genomic model for understanding phylogeographic patterns of marine organisms in California and guide the design of marine protected areas.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Giacomo Bernardi, Melissa DeBiasse, Merly Escalona, Mohan P. A. Marimuthu, Oanh Nguyen, Samuel Sacco, Eric Beraut, Courtney Miller, Erin Toffelmier, H. Bradley Shaffer
Summary: Keystone species, such as the California Sheephead, play a critical role in regulating sea urchin abundance and maintaining the health of kelp forests. A reference genome for the California Sheephead is presented, which will serve as an important resource for conservation research in California's marine environment.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jason A. Toy, Kristy J. Kroeker, Cheryl A. Logan, Yuichiro Takeshita, Gary C. Longo, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: This study reveals the neurological impacts of acidification on a temperate fish species and suggests that natural environmental variability may mitigate the effects of ocean acidification.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Juliana Limon, May B. Roberts, Darrin T. Schultz, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: The mitochondrial genome of Dascyllus trimaculatus, a planktivorous damselfish, was assembled and annotated for the first time. It is 16,967 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The gene arrangement and codon usage are similar to other damselfish genomes, and phylogenetic analysis supports known evolutionary relationships.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Jason A. Toy, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: Surfperches are unique fishes with unresolved phylogenetic position. They are viviparous and lack a dispersive larval stage, making them an excellent model for studying speciation and local adaptation in the ocean. However, few molecular resources are available for this group. This study presents a highly complete reference genome for the kelp surfperch, which will be valuable for future research on evolutionary dynamics, local adaptation, and genomic potential for climate adaptation.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
May B. Roberts, Darrin T. Schultz, Remy Gatins, Merly Escalona, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: In this study, the first-genome assembly of the three-spot damselfish was presented, revealing a heterozygous Robertsonian fusion karyotype and homologous chromosomes with the closely related clownfish. This assembly will be a valuable resource for population genomics and conservation research of damselfishes, as well as further studies on karyotypic diversity in this clade.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric Garcia, Daniel Wright, Remy Gatins, May B. Roberts, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Eva Salas, Jei-Ying Chen, Jacob R. Winnikoff, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: This study introduces a new metric, haplotype network branch diversity (HBd), which quantifiably compares haplotype network complexity by combining genetic and topological diversity. Results demonstrate that HBd can provide straightforward comparisons of network complexity and distinguish situations that are difficult to resolve with other available metrics.
Article
Zoology
G. S. Araujo, A. Vilasboa, M. R. Britto, G. Bernardi, S. Von der Heyden, A. Levy, S. R. Floeter
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Zoology
Ana M. R. Liedke, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Sergio R. Floeter, Giacomo Bernardi
NEOTROPICAL ICHTHYOLOGY
(2020)