Article
Ecology
Hu He, Yan Li, Kai Peng, You Zhang, Robert P. Rutter, Jussi Jyvasjarvi, Heikki Hamalainen, David Kelly, Jonathan M. Chase, Chrysoula Ntislidou, Olga Loskutova, Javier Alcocer, Daniele Jovem-Azevedo, Joseline Molozzi, Jianjun Wang, Min Zhang, Kuanyi Li, Zhengwen Liu, Liselotte S. Johansson, Martin Sondergaard, Yongjiu Cai, Haijun Wang, Erik Jeppesen
Summary: This study highlights the importance of understanding the patterns and potential processes underlying the island species-area relationship (ISAR) in freshwater lakes in different climatic regions. It provides a baseline for understanding how further changes to the ecosystem might influence biodiversity patterns.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Leana Gooriah, Shane A. Blowes, Alban Sagouis, Julian Schrader, Dirk N. Karger, Holger Kreft, Jonathan M. Chase
Summary: The study demonstrates that island size significantly influences species richness and evenness in the island species-area relationship (ISAR), supporting the view of disproportionate effects on larger relative to smaller islands.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Terrence H. Bell, Nina Camillone, Katrina Abram, Mary Ann Bruns, Etienne Yergeau, Marc St-Arnaud
Summary: The study found that the introduced hydrocarbon richness strongly influences the microbial abundance. However, changes to other soil processes may depend more on other properties of the added compounds. Microbial abundance increased as the number of added substrates increased, regardless of the total hydrocarbon concentration.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Shuaifeng Li, Wande Liu, Xuedong Lang, Xiaobo Huang, Jianrong Su
Summary: This study found that various plant diversity attributes, stand structural complexity, dominant species, and soil conditions affect ecosystem multifunctionality in a subtropical coniferous forest. The direct effects of species richness on ecosystem multifunctionality were stronger than the effects of woody individual abundance. Stand structural complexity mediated the relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality, with higher soil pH and soil water content associated with greater stand structural complexity and ecosystem multifunctionality.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kristin M. Conrad, Valerie E. Peters, Sandra M. Rehan
Summary: This study in Costa Rica revealed differences in bee abundance, community composition and crop visitor behavior along elevation gradients. It found that certain bee species showed abundance differences by elevation within a narrow elevational range, with stingless bees being important visitors to crop species. Conservation efforts for tropical montane bee communities and pollination services should focus on elevations that support the highest numbers of each species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Gabriela Franzoi Dri, Nilton Carlos Caceres, Franchesco Della-Flora, Cristian Sales Dambros
Summary: Many animal species participate in interspecific groups for benefits, but it can also lead to costs. The distribution of species within these groups depends on resource availability and spatial scale. A survey in Brazil found that larger groups have greater diet variation and are more similar in body mass than expected randomly.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Binega Derebe Asmare, Yonas Derebe, Mulugeta Tamer
Summary: This study investigated the diversity and relative abundance of bird species in two habitat types of Dokima forest in Awi zone, Ethiopia. The results showed that the dry and wet seasons had a significant effect on the richness and abundance of bird species. The forest habitat type had the highest species diversity index and evenness in both seasons.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min Liu, Xingliang Xu, Bo Yang, Naili Zhang, Zeqing Ma, Nicole M. van Dam, Helge Bruelheide
Summary: Increased tree species richness promotes niche partitioning in plant nitrogen uptake, leading to higher biomass productivity in subtropical forests.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
G. Steur, R. W. Verburg, M. J. Wassen, P. A. Teunissen, P. A. Verweij
Summary: This study examines the relationship between non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and plant diversity, finding both positive and negative connections between abundance and plant diversity indicators. It also highlights the impact of a few NTFP species on overall abundance and their association with specific floristic compositions.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Veronica Sebald, Andrea Goss, Elisabeth Ramm, Julia V. Gerasimova, Silke Werth
Summary: Lichens play an important role as bioindicators of air pollution in cities. This study investigated the diversity of epiphytic lichens in Munich, Germany, and found that the species composition of lichen communities was mainly influenced by NO2 pollution levels. The results highlight the ongoing threat of NO2 air pollution to lichen diversity and emphasize the importance of large urban green spaces in promoting biodiversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Mouldi Gamoun, Mounir Louhaichi
Summary: Natural rangelands in Tunisia's Tataouine province have a diverse botanical composition with 40% of species being palatable and over 13% being used in traditional and modern medicine.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xinhua Zeng, Haixin Diao, Ziyi Ni, Li Shao, Kai Jiang, Chao Hu, Qingjun Huang, Weichang Huang
Summary: This study investigated the root endophytic fungal diversity and trophic relationships with orchids at different phenological stages in Bletilla striata and B. ochracea. Significant temporal variation in the diversity of root endophytic fungi was observed throughout the whole growth periods of the orchids, with higher fungal community richness during the florescence and emergence periods. The two Bletilla species were dominated by Agaricomycetes and Basidiomycota fungi, with dynamic C-13 and N-15 natural abundance variations across all growth stages, indicating carbon acquisition from root endophytic fungi and nutritional requirements of the plants.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Liying Qian, Quan Gan, Wenbin Wang, Xuguang Cai, Richard Eastes, Jia Yue
Summary: This study examines the seasonal variation of thermospheric composition using data from the NASA GOLD mission and the NRLMSISE-00 model. The results show that in the southern hemisphere, the variation exhibits an annual and semiannual pattern, while in the northern hemisphere, it is dominated by an annual variation with a minor semiannual component. The study also finds that the rate of change in the seasonal variation and its dependence on latitude.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Juan A. Encina-Dominguez, Eduardo Estrada-Castillon, Miguel Mellado, Cristina Gonzalez-Montelongo, Jose Ramon Arevalo
Summary: "Disturbances in the pine forests of Mexico, primarily caused by cattle, horses, goat, and sheep grazing, have resulted in low tree recruitment, establishment of invasive shrubs, changes in species composition, and invasion of weeds primarily spread by livestock. This study compared a grazing-excluded pine forest stand with a nearby area subjected to livestock grazing in the Sierra de Zapaliname natural protected area in northeast Mexico. The results showed that grazing has altered the understory species composition and reduced evenness in the control plots. To maintain species diversity and forest structure, it is recommended to restrict extensive grazing or reduce the number of animals in areas of high ecological value."
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fahmida Parvin, Shumya Jannat, Shafi M. Tareq
Summary: This study investigated the abundance, characteristics, and variation of microplastics (MPs) in commercial freshwater fish species from Bangladesh. MPs were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of 73.3% of all examined fish samples, with the highest abundance in Mystus vittatus. Demersal fishes showed a higher amount of MPs compared to benthopelagic and pelagic fishes, indicating a potential correlation between plastic ingestion and feeding habitat.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Zoltan Elek, Jana Ruzickova, Peter Odor
Summary: The study found that in forest management, using both trait-based and taxon-based methods can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the status of ground beetle assemblages, with different treatments impacting ground beetle communities in varied ways.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Beat Boller, Manuel K. Schneider, Cheng Zhao, Jan Bartos, Joanna Majka, David Kopecky
Summary: The occurrence and distribution of Festuca apennina, F. pratensis, and their hybrid were studied in the Swiss Alps. The hybrid showed higher frequency and dominance compared to the parental species, and had a wider elevational distribution. The parental species showed preferences for different environmental conditions, with F. apennina preferring wet and nutrient-rich environments, while F. pratensis colonized dryer and nutrient-poorer environments. The hybrid showed an ability to thrive in both environments, possibly due to its strong expansion by rhizomes.
Article
Agronomy
Inka Notz, Cairistiona F. E. Topp, Johannes Schuler, Sheila Alves, Leonardo Amthauer Gallardo, Jens Dauber, Thorsten Haase, Paul R. Hargreaves, Michael Hennessy, Anelia Iantcheva, Philippe Jeanneret, Sonja Kay, Juergen Recknagel, Leopold Rittler, Marjana Vasiljevic, Christine A. Watson, Moritz Reckling
Summary: Legume-supported cropping systems have the potential to increase protein self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impacts in European agriculture. Using the DEED framework, we collaborated with scientists and advisors in 17 study areas to describe, explain, explore, and redesign cropping systems. The results showed that legume integration reduced N fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions, decreased nitrate leaching, and increased protein yield per hectare. However, energy yields were lower in legume-supported systems, and economic criteria were identified as important for feasibility and adaptation. Overall, the close stakeholder interactions and large-scale application of the DEED framework demonstrated the benefits of redesigning legume-supported cropping systems in Europe.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tina Koehler, Carolin Schaum, Shu-Yin Tung, Franziska Steiner, Nicolas Tyborski, Andreas J. Wild, Asegidew Akale, Johanna Pausch, Tillmann Lueders, Sebastian Wolfrum, Carsten W. Mueller, Alix Vidal, Wouter K. Vahl, Jennifer Groth, Barbara Eder, Mutez A. Ahmed, Andrea Carminati
Summary: This study investigates the impact of plant hydraulic traits on stomatal regulation in maize during soil drying. The results demonstrate the importance of belowground hydraulics for stomatal regulation and suggest that stomata close when soil hydraulic conductivity drops.
Review
Entomology
Jana Ruzickova, Zoltan Elek
Summary: Radio telemetry is a valuable tool for studying animal movement, but its application in tracking beetles is limited. Although there is great potential in radio-tracking, only a small number of beetle species have been studied, primarily in the Western Palearctic region. Most studies have been descriptive and focused on simple trajectory parameters and movement behavior. There is a need for further research on ecological aspects, such as the effects of abiotic factors and habitat use.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Michael Meissle, Mario Waldburger, Philippe Jeanneret, Giovanni A. L. Broggini, Andrea Patocchi, Jorg Romeis
Summary: The complete netting of orchards is an effective strategy to protect fruit trees from pest and pathogen damage by reducing insect movement. However, when genetically engineered trees are involved, the reduced movement of pollinators may also result in decreased outcrossing to other non-engineered trees. A field study demonstrated that while large bees were excluded by the nets, small bees could still cross. Occasional cross-pollination events through the netting were also observed in a companion study.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Antonin Pepin, Maria Vittoria Guidoboni, Philippe Jeanneret, Hayo M. G. van der Werf
Summary: Biodiversity loss due to agricultural intensification and habitat degradation is a major concern, and current life cycle assessment (LCA) methods lack the ability to assess impacts on biodiversity in vegetable production systems. The SALCA-BD expert system was adapted to assess and compare biodiversity impacts in vegetable production systems by considering habitats and farming practices. The results highlighted the importance of semi-natural habitats and low-intensity practices for preserving biodiversity, and indicated that assessment at the farm level is more informative than at the field level.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Noelle Klein, Felix Herzog, Philippe Jeanneret, Sonja Kay
Summary: This study validated an LCA tool in predicting bird/butterfly richness at the field/landscape scale and tested the improvement of prediction by considering the spatial context. The results showed that adding specific landscape metrics improved the landscape model for birds but not for butterflies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Johannes Burmeister, Bernd Panassiti, Franziska Heine, Sebastian Wolfrum, Jerome Moriniere
Summary: Three field trials in Bavaria were conducted to test the effects of novel perennial energy crops on arthropod abundance and diversity. Results showed that tall wheat grass had the highest abundance and diversity of arthropods, benefiting Hemiptera and Aranea in particular. Post-harvest cup plant and Virginia mallow plots harboured a more diverse and abundant arthropod assemblage than maize plots, and stubble was identified as a suitable habitat for arthropods in agricultural fields. Overall, integrating perennial energy crops into biogas production systems could play an important role in supporting arthropods in agricultural landscapes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Tadhg Carroll, Richard Stafford, Phillipa K. Gillingham, James M. Bullock, David Brown, Michelle Brown, Robin M. Walls, Anita Diaz
Summary: Using data from the 1930s and 2010s, this study investigated whether six co-occurring taxa displayed cross-taxon congruence in species richness and compositional change. The study found widespread congruence in species richness across local assemblages within the study system, suggesting shared responses to environmental change. The results also highlighted the stronger correlations between vascular plants and their direct consumers.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Eszter Tanacs, Agnes Vari, Akos Bede-Fazekas, Andras Baldi, Edina Csakvari, Anett Endredi, Veronika Fabok, Livia Kisne Fodor, Marton Kiss, Peter Koncz, Aniko Kovacs-Hostyanszki, Janos Meszaros, Laszlo Pasztor, Rita Rezneki, Tibor Standovar, Zita Zsembery, Katalin Torok
Summary: The assessment of ecosystems in Hungary revealed the importance of natural areas, particularly native forests, in providing a wide range of services. Forest management should consider multiple services. Areas in better condition provide more services at an outstanding level.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ferenc Samu, Zoltan Elek, Jana Ruzickova, Erika Botos, Bence Kovacs, Peter Odor
Summary: Continuous cover forestry aims to preserve biodiversity and maintains characteristics of uneven-aged natural forests. Gap-cutting is a management option that can create a balance between timber production and continuous forest cover. This study investigated the effect of newly created gaps on ground-dwelling spider assemblages in a managed oak forest, finding that gaps increased spider species richness and variation in species composition, suggesting that gap-cutting is a suitable management option for preserving forest spider assemblages.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
T. Zehnder, M. K. Schneider, A. Luscher, K. Giller, P. Silacci, J. Messadene-Chelali, J. Berard, M. Kreuzer
Summary: Climate and economic changes promote the encroachment of woody plants on marginal mountain pastures. In the Alps, the main woody invader is the nitrogen-fixing shrub Alnus viridis (green alder). Robust breeds of different ruminant species may perform well on these shrub-encroached pastures.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2023)
Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
Phillipa Gillingham, Chris D. Thomas
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabriella Sule, Aniko Kovacs-Hostyanszki, Miklos Sarospataki, Tuende Ilona Kelemen, Gabriella Halassy, Anna Horvath, Imre Demeter, Andras Baldi, Viktor Szigeti
Summary: Urbanisation plays a significant role in the decline of pollinators, but well-managed green spaces in cities can support bees and butterflies by providing suitable habitats. Implementing interventions like rare mowing, flower strip sowing, and bee hotels in public spaces can help promote pollinators. However, the effectiveness of these interventions in Eastern Europe is still understudied.