Article
Plant Sciences
Guilherme Roxo, Monica Moura, Pedro Talhinhas, Jose Carlos Costa, Luis Silva, Raquel Vasconcelos, Miguel Menezes de Sequeira, Maria Manuel Romeiras
Summary: The Macaronesian islands are a reservoir of genetic variation of wild carrots, with larger genomes generally found in mainland regions and smaller genomes in insular endemic taxa. Positive correlations were found between genome size and morphological traits and habit, supporting the close relationship among endemic species. This study improves understanding of DNA content for Macaronesian endemics and diversity patterns of wild carrots in the western Mediterranean region.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Pedro E. Vieira, Andrea Desiderato, Sofia L. Azevedo, Patricia Esquete, Filipe O. Costa, Henrique Queiroga
Summary: This study investigates the genetic differentiation between populations from the Macaronesian archipelagos of Webbnesia and adjacent coasts using mitochondrial DNA sequences. The results show high genetic diversity and endemism in Webbnesia populations, with closer similarity to the Azores than to adjacent continental coasts. These findings reveal a significant biogeographic discontinuity and emphasize the unique genetic heritage hosted by these islands.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matthew S. Mills, Mari E. Deinhart, Mackenzie N. Heagy, Tom Schils
Summary: Crustose calcifying red algae (CCRA) play important roles in reef health in the tropics, but their diversity has been underestimated. This study used DNA barcoding to investigate the CCRA diversity in Guam and found a much higher species richness than previously assumed, with many potentially new species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rosemary J. Moorhouse-Gann, Ian P. Vaughan, Nik C. Cole, Martine Goder, Vikash Tatayah, Carl G. Jones, Daevid Mike, Richard P. Young, Michael W. Bruford, Malin C. Rivers, Helen Hipperson, Isa-Rita M. Russo, David W. G. Stanton, William O. C. Symondson
Summary: The research found a high level of dietary overlap between tortoises and skinks, but a negative correlation in herbivory preferences and minimal overlap in the most frequently consumed plants. The presence of tortoises is unlikely to have detrimental impacts on skinks, and could even benefit them in the long term by expanding palm-rich habitat. Tortoises may help control invasive plants, but further interventions may be needed to restore certain plant communities on the islet.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Binbin Shan, Yan Liu, Changping Yang, Yu Zhao, Gongjun Zhang, Qiaer Wu, Dianrong Sun
Summary: The study presents the first molecular diversity data of fish from Mischief Reef in the Nansha Islands, identifying 101 species, 62 genera, 27 families, and 8 orders, while also recognizing possible cryptic species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nicola Tommasi, Paolo Biella, Davide Maggioni, Luca Fallati, Giulia Agostinetto, Massimo Labra, Paolo Galli, Andrea Galimberti
Summary: This study found that moderate landscape fragmentation of green areas shapes many aspects of the pollination ecosystem service, where despite interactions being less complex and mediated by pollinator body size, pollinator insect biodiversity and potential plant reproduction are supported.
Article
Ecology
Adriana Uscanga, Heriberto Lopez, Daniel Pinero, Brent C. Emerson, Alicia Mastretta-Yanes
Summary: The study in the Transmexican Volcanic Belt of Mexico evaluated the colonization of high-elevation habitats and the effect of past landscape configurations on biodiversity. Results indicate that colonization from other mountains and allopatric divergence are the main sources of OTU formation, with ancient genetic structures persisting.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
J. U. N. NAKAJIMA, Y. A. S. U. Y. U. K. I. HASHIGUCHI
Summary: A new loach species, Misgurnus amamianus, found in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, is described based on its morphological characteristics and molecular analysis.
Article
Biology
Koki Nishitsuji, Tomofumi Nagata, Haruhi Narisoko, Megumi Kanai, Kanako Hisata, Chuya Shinzato, Noriyuki Satoh
Summary: Coral reefs, particularly scleractinian corals, are in crisis due to climate change and human activities. A survey of these corals is crucial for their preservation, thus, an improved environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding method was developed to identify 43 genera of scleractinian corals. The method was assessed along Okinawa Island using both direct observations and eDNA analyses, revealing the presence of diverse coral genera including previously unrecorded species. This scleractinian coral-specific eDNA method is a powerful tool for comprehensive coral reef surveys.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Renato Daniel La Torre, Daniel Ramos, Mayra Doris Mejia, Edgar Neyra, Edwin Loarte, Gisella Orjeda
Summary: DNA barcoding is effective for identifying well-represented lichenized fungi groups, but its effectiveness is limited in understudied regions. A study on King George Island in Antarctica used a fungal barcode marker to survey lichenized fungi diversity. The majority of samples were accurately identified using the barcode marker, and subsequent morphological evaluations led to the identification of unknown species. These results contribute to the understanding of lichenized fungi diversity in understudied regions and provide valuable guidance for taxonomy efforts in species recognition and discovery.
Article
Plant Sciences
Zi-Bing Xin, Alexandre K. Monro, Ren-Fen Wang, Long-Fei Fu
Summary: This study revised the taxonomic status of three putative species, E. robustipes, E. scaposum, E. conduplicatum and their closest relatives using morphological and molecular observations. The results showed that the disposition of the male inflorescences in Elatostema is an unstable character, while the number, shape and size of the bracts and bracteoles are relatively stable.
Article
Ecology
Pin-Chen Chen, John J. C. Perez, Shao-Lun Liu
Summary: This study aims to enhance our understanding of benthic marine algal biodiversity in Taiping Island, South China Sea, and provide basic herbarium and molecular references. Through molecular sequences, a significant number of species were identified, including some potentially undescribed species new to science.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Johanna Faure, Nicolas Gasco, Celine Bonillo, Jean-Marie Munaron, Yves Cherel, Clara Peron
Summary: This study provides the first comprehensive description of the diet composition and trophic position of two skate species (Bathyraja eatonii and B. irrasa) caught as bycatch in the French Patagonian toothfish fishery in the Indian sector of the Southern Ocean. Both skate species were found to be generalist feeders with high δ15N values. The diet of B. eatonii mainly consisted of fish, pelagic crustaceans, and squids, while B. irrasa preyed more on benthic crustaceans, fish, and annelids. These results contribute to a better understanding of the impact of top predator exploitation on the subantarctic demersal ecosystem.
DEEP-SEA RESEARCH PART I-OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH PAPERS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Dinh T. Nguyen
Summary: This study investigated the diversity of Chrysomelidae on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam and provided the first DNA Barcoding data for Chrysomelidae from this region. The results suggest that the number of leaf beetle species on Phu Quoc Island may be higher than previously estimated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Oceanography
Provakar Sarkar, Md Jayedul Islam, A. H. M. Shafiullah Habib, Amit Kumer Neogi, Kazi Ahsan Habib
Summary: This study documented two snapper species, Lutjanus fulvus and Lutjanus erythropterus, collected from Saint Martin's Island in the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh, during a survey on coral associated fishes from July 2017 to September 2018. The identification of these species was based on morphological characteristics and partial mitochondrial COI sequences analysis. The study also included an updated checklist of snappers available in Bangladesh.
JOURNAL OF OCEAN UNIVERSITY OF CHINA
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Catarina J. Pinho, Evandro P. Lopes, Joana Pauperio, Isildo Gomes, Maria M. Romeiras, Raquel Vasconcelos
Summary: DNA metabarcoding is an important technique for characterizing species' diets and understanding their ecological and economic impacts. This study evaluated the differences in diet estimates based on different sections of the gastrointestinal tract and showed that analyzing stomach and intestines provided robust diet data. The study also revealed that an invasive species had predominantly negative impacts on the ecosystem, consuming many native and economically important taxa.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maria Cristina Duarte, Isildo Gomes, Silvia Catarino, Miguel Brilhante, Samuel Gomes, Aline Rendall, Angela Moreno, Arlindo Rodrigues Fortes, Vladmir Silves Ferreira, Isaurinda Baptista, Herculano Dinis, Maria Manuel Romeiras
Summary: This study assesses the biodiversity and phytogeography of useful local plants in Cabo Verde, as well as the factors influencing their distribution and uses. It identifies 518 useful taxa, including native, endemic, and endangered species. The study suggests that agrobiodiversity and traditional practices are crucial for coping with droughts and ensuring food security. It also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding native populations for sustainable resource exploitation and local economy.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lara Guterres, Maria Cristina Duarte, Silvia Catarino, Guilherme Roxo, Joao Barnabe, Monica Sebastiana, Filipa Monteiro, Maria Manuel Romeiras
Summary: Cashew agroforestry systems in East Timor have a diverse range of leguminous species, with about 50 commonly found. These legumes are not only used as a food source, but also have potential nutritional and medicinal benefits for the local population.
Article
Ecology
Miguel Brilhante, Silvia Catarino, Iain Darbyshire, Salomao Bandeira, Margarida Moldao, Maria Cristina Duarte, Maria M. Romeiras
Summary: This study aims to establish a conservation strategy for Vigna Crop Wild Relatives in Mozambique by assessing their diversity and distribution. Twenty-one native Vigna taxa were found in Mozambique, with Chimanimani Mountains and Gorongosa Mountain being the diversity hotspots. Based on priority for conservation actions, 24% of the taxa are of high priority, 67% are of medium priority, and 9% are of low priority.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Monica Sebastiana, Susana Serrazina, Filipa Monteiro, Daniel Wipf, Jerome Fromentin, Rita Teixeira, Rui Malho, Pierre-Emmanuel Courty
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the nitrogen metabolic response of oak plants when inoculated with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius. The expression of candidate genes encoding proteins involved in nitrogen uptake and assimilation was investigated in ectomycorrhizal roots. The findings suggest that inorganic nitrogen is the main form of nitrogen transferred by the symbiotic fungus into the roots of the host plant.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Crimildo T. Cassamo, David Draper, Maria M. Romeiras, Isabel Marques, Rogerio Chiulele, Marisa Rodrigues, Marc Stalmans, Fabio L. Partelli, Ana Ribeiro-Barros, Jose C. Ramalho
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the potential impact of future climate change on the suitability of areas for rainfed coffee growth. The results showed that future climate change will have negative effects on suitable areas for coffee cultivation, especially under full sun management systems. However, agroforestry systems can effectively mitigate these impacts and ensure the sustainability of coffee crops.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Guilherme Roxo, Miguel Brilhante, Monica Moura, Miguel Menezes de Sequeira, Luis Silva, Jose Carlos Costa, Raquel Vasconcelos, Pedro Talhinhas, Maria M. Romeiras
Summary: This study found that island populations of Crithmum maritimum have smaller genome sizes compared to mainland populations, and that genome size of island populations is correlated with temperature, precipitation, and precipitation seasonality. These findings support previous studies that suggest organisms with smaller genomes have a selective advantage in island environments.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lara Guterres, Joao Barnabe, Andre Barros, Alberto Bento Charrua, Maria Cristina Duarte, Maria M. Romeiras, Filipa Monteiro
Summary: This study conducted a comprehensive assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of cashew trees in East Timor using microsatellites (SSRs). The results showed that the genetic diversity of cashew populations in East Timor was higher than previously reported. The study also revealed two distinct genetic groups in cashew populations, indicating multiple introductions of cashew over time.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anyse P. Essoh, Gustavo Capatti Cassiano, Filipa Mandim, Lillian Barros, Isildo Gomes, Marcia Melo Medeiros, Monica Moura, Pedro Vitor Lemos Cravo, Maria M. Romeiras
Summary: This study investigated the in vitro antiplasmodial activities of four native plants from Cabo Verde. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Artemisia gorgonum and infusions of Tamarix senegalensis exhibited high antiplasmodial activities without cytotoxicity. Lavandula rotundifolia and Sideroxylon marginatum extracts showed moderate activities. The findings support the traditional use of these plants against malaria and suggest their potential as future antimalarials.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria M. Romeiras, Anyse P. Essoh, Silvia Catarino, Joceline Silva, Katelene Lima, Eromise Varela, Monica Moura, Isildo Gomes, Maria Cristina Duarte, Maria Paula Duarte
Summary: Plants play a crucial role in medical practice in West African countries, including the Cabo Verde archipelago. This study assessed the medicinal uses of native species in Santiago, the largest island of the archipelago, and evaluated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities of two native tree species. The results revealed 24 native plants used in traditional medicine on Santiago Island and highlighted the importance of sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants in Cabo Verde.
Editorial Material
Food Science & Technology
Luis Catarino, Lillian Barros, Maria M. Romeiras
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Daniel Vitales, Carmen Guerrero, Teresa Garnatje, Maria M. Romeiras, Arnoldo Santos, Francisco Fernandes, Joan Valles
Summary: This study analyzed the DNA sequences of three closely related Artemisia species (A. argentea, A. thuscula, and A. gorgonum) in the Macaronesian region and found similar anagenetic speciation processes. These endemic species in Madeira, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde may have limited taxonomic diversification due to their recent parallel evolutionary histories as independent lineages and shared characteristics of seed dispersal, pollen transport, and habitat.
Article
Archaeology
Paula Redweik, Susana Reis, Maria Cristina Duarte
Summary: Botanical gardens play an important role in urban spaces, serving both researchers and the general public. This paper describes the production of a 3D dynamic model of the Tropical Botanical Garden in Lisbon, aiming to convey scientific information, facilitate communication with the public, and aid in spatial planning. The project utilizes a variety of software packages and interactive web pages to showcase the garden's features and provide easy access to information.
VIRTUAL ARCHAEOLOGY REVIEW
(2023)