Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Yen-Wen Wang, Cecile Ane
Summary: In this study, the authors present a kinship estimator called KIMGENS, which is capable of estimating kinship among individuals with various ploidies and is robust to population structure. The results show that KIMGENS outperforms previous estimators in accurately estimating kinship in simulated panmictic, structured, and admixed populations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
John A. Erwin, Kenneth A. Logan, Daryl R. Trumbo, W. Chris Funk, Melanie Culver
Summary: This study investigated the effects of hunting on reproduction and genetic diversity in a puma population. The presence of hunting reduced the age of male breeders and decreased the number of unique fathers siring litters. Hunting also increased relatedness among males and decreased relatedness among females in the population, as well as decreased genetic diversity.
Article
Agronomy
Asim Mehmood, Peter M. Dracatos, Linta Maqsood, Qudsia Yousafi, Abrar Hussain, Muhammad J. Jaskani, Muhammad W. Sajid, Muhammad S. Haider, Muhammad M. Hussain
Summary: The genetic divergence and population structure of 80 potato genotypes from Punjab, Pakistan were evaluated using iPBS markers. The study found sufficient genetic diversity among the genotypes, with 787 alleles generated by 11 iPBS primers. The analysis identified five distinct groups and confirmed the high polymorphism of retrotransposon-based markers.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mitzilin Zuleica Trujano-Chavez, Reyna Sanchez-Ramos, Paulino Perez-Rodriguez, Agustin Ruiz-Flores
Summary: The study on the Mexican Braunvieh cattle population revealed evidence of genetic diversity and potential improvement in traits related to mastitis.
VETERINARY SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Delphine B. H. Chabanne, Simon J. Allen, William Bruce Sherwin, Hugh Finn, Michael Krutzen
Summary: The study conducted on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins in Perth found four behavioral communities with similar genetic structures but small differentiation due to related individuals within communities. The high levels of contemporary migration and related individuals among communities suggest a panmictic genetic population with continuous gene flow. Despite genetic similarity, each social community should be considered a distinct ecological unit for conservation due to exposure to different threats and occurrence in different habitats.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandra Kublina, Muhammad Ali
Summary: Germany, as one of the largest countries in the world in terms of total GDP, has seen a gradual increase in industry diversification, with RV being the dominant measure showing a pronounced increasing trend. The study also highlights the importance of entropy component within two-digit sectoral shares of the RV index. Additionally, the analysis shows that top regions experience more exits of inefficient old industries compared to bottom regions, suggesting a creative destruction effect in improving variety.
Article
Plant Sciences
Francesco Martini, Chia-Hao Chang-Yang, I-Fang Sun
Summary: Seedling dynamics in relation to biotic interactions and environmental conditions have a significant impact on forest structure and composition. This study showed that interannual variation in recruitment abundance and annual rainfall strongly influenced seedling vital rates, mediated by biotic interactions. These findings support the importance of considering temporal variations in biotic interactions when predicting forest community responses to climate changes.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Daniel J. Franklin
Summary: This article discusses the importance of cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems and the dynamics of bloom populations. It suggests that cell death may play a significant role in population declines. Different forms of cyanobacterial cell death pose challenges for classification and research, but efforts are being made to address this issue.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alejandro de la Fuente, Alejandro Navarro, Stephen E. Williams
Summary: Climate-driven biodiversity erosion is escalating rapidly, especially in tropical ecosystems. The impact of different climatic stressors on rainforest bird populations in the Australian Wet Tropics between 2000 and 2016 was investigated. The study found that warming and changes in rainfall patterns had a strong effect on bird populations, with lowland species benefiting while upland species showing a negative response.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jitmat Thintip, Worapong Singchat, Syed Farhan Ahmad, Nattakan Ariyaraphong, Narongrit Muangmai, Wiyada Chamchumroon, Klinsak Pitiwong, Warong Suksavate, Sutee Duangjai, Prateep Duengkae, Kornsorn Srikulnath
Summary: Research on a captive population of the endangered Hume's pheasant found reduced genetic differentiation and shallow population structure, despite low genetic variability. While no bottleneck was observed, informative microsatellite loci indicated possible inbreeding. These findings can help in maximizing genetic variability and enhancing conservation efforts for both captive and wild populations of Hume's pheasant.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Elena Solovieva, Hiroaki Sakai
Summary: The study introduces a tool called PSReliP, which can analyze and visualize population structure and genetic relatedness between individuals. It uses PLINK software and Shiny technology, and can assist in choosing the appropriate approach for statistical analysis of GWAS data and genomic selection prediction.
BMC BIOINFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Emel Ozkan Unal, Raziye Isik, Ayse Sen, Elif Geyik Kus, Mehmet Ihsan Soysal
Summary: The study assessed the genetic diversity between 17 populations of Turkish water buffalo using 20 microsatellite markers, revealing significant genetic diversity among populations. The findings indicate the suitability of these markers for genetic diversity analysis and conservation efforts in water buffalo.
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Teri B. Jones, Micheline Manseau
Summary: Network analysis is a flexible statistical framework widely used in ecology and other fields. This review article focuses on genetic-based networks and their applications in population structure, genetic connectivity, and individual genetic relatedness. The article categorizes the studies into population-level networks and individual-based genetic networks and discusses the similarities and differences between these approaches. The article also provides an overview of the current methods and software available for constructing and analyzing genetic networks. Additionally, the article highlights the importance of genetic networks in conservation biology, including defining population structure, understanding genetic connectivity, and studying individual or familial fitness.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chia-Hao Chang-Yang, Jessica Needham, Chia-Ling Lu, Chang-Fu Hsieh, I-Fang Sun, Sean M. McMahon
Summary: Experimental and observational studies on seedling dynamics identify mechanisms that can affect forest diversity, structure, and function. However, high mortality and slow growth make it difficult to evaluate the impact of this life-history filter on total tree lifespan. Quantifying seedling phase duration and transitions can help understand this 'black box' in tree population biology.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lidia Escoda, Oliver Hawlitschek, Jorge Gonzalez-Esteban, Jose Castresana
Summary: Recently, populations with very low genetic diversity have been found, some of which can persist in the long term, while others may face extinction. This study focuses on the Iberian desman population, which exhibits extremely low heterozygosity values and high levels of inbreeding. Some individuals in the population appear to be genetically identical, posing challenges for genetic identification and parentage analysis. However, characterizing these genetically impoverished populations and improving genomic methodologies for their study are crucial for scientific and conservation purposes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Noemi Elmiger, Robert Finger, Jaboury Ghazoul, Sergei Schaub
Summary: This study investigates the design and implementation of biodiversity indicators for result-based agri-environmental schemes. Most schemes currently use vascular plants as indicators, designed for large regions. Recent schemes tend to consider more biodiversity aspects and adapt to smaller scales. Policymakers need to consider their objectives, costs, and trade-offs when choosing indicators and schemes. New technologies can help improve the design and monitoring of biodiversity.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sebastian Hatt, Yee Wen Low, David F. R. P. Burslem, David J. Middleton, E. D. Biffin, Olivier Maurin, Eve J. Lucas
Summary: A morphological analysis was conducted to reassess the subgenus Perikion of the large genus Syzygium. Results revealed the need for the description of a new subgenus, Oborapi, characterized by distinct calyx shape, presence of fibre bundles, black lenticels on leaf surface, ascending ovule orientation, and species diversity on the Sunda Shelf. The study also documented and photographed fibre bundles for the first time in a range of species, providing a preliminary species list and recommendations for further investigation.
BOTANICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Catherine E. Waite, Geertje M. F. van der Heijden, Richard Field, David F. R. P. Burslem, James W. Dalling, Reuben Nilus, M. Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ronderos, Andrew R. Marshall, Doreen S. Boyd
Summary: This study examines liana distribution in Southeast Asian forests using advanced techniques such as drones. It finds that tree height and distance to canopy gaps are the most important predictors of liana load, contradicting findings in the Neotropics. These results highlight the need for more research on lianas in different biogeographic regions to better understand their impacts on tropical forest ecology and carbon storage.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lindsay F. Banin, Elizabeth H. Raine, Lucy M. Rowland, Robin L. Chazdon, Stuart W. Smith, Nur Estya Binte Rahman, Adam Butler, Christopher Philipson, Grahame G. Applegate, E. Petter Axelsson, Sugeng Budiharta, Siew Chin Chua, Mark E. J. Cutler, Stephen Elliott, Elva Gemita, Elia Godoong, Laura L. B. Graham, Robin M. Hayward, Andy Hector, Ulrik Ilstedt, Joel Jensen, Srinivasan Kasinathan, Christopher J. Kettle, Daniel Lussetti, Benjapan Manohan, Colin Maycock, Kang Min Ngo, Michael J. O'Brien, Anand M. Osuri, Glen Reynolds, Yap Sauwai, Stefan Scheu, Mangarah Silalahi, Eleanor M. Slade, Tom Swinfield, David A. Wardle, Charlotte Wheeler, Kok Loong Yeong, David F. R. P. Burslem
Summary: This study assesses the contribution of tree planting to ecosystem restoration in tropical and sub-tropical Asia. The mortality rate of planted trees was found to be 18% after one year, increasing to 44% after five years. Active restoration resulted in faster accumulation of tree basal area, but tree species richness did not differ compared to natural regeneration. Planting for restoration is potentially rewarding but risky and context-dependent.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Zaccari, Romano De Vivo, Lukas Pawera, Celine Termote, Danny Hunter, Teresa Borelli, Christopher J. Kettle, Bea Maas, Ivan Novotny, Thomas Cherico Wanger, Ehsan Dulloo, Carlo Fadda, Eliot Gee
Summary: Building sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems requires rethinking consumption, production, and conservation of agrobiodiversity. The Congress brought together scientists, Indigenous Peoples, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to share research, solutions, and policies that can transform food systems. The messages from the Congress align with the goals of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit to achieve sustainable development by 2030.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
David Johnson, Xubing Liu, David F. R. P. Burslem
Summary: Subtropical and tropical forests in Asia have a unique structure where canopy dominant trees form symbioses with ectomycorrhizal fungi and understorey trees form symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. This structure is explained by the virtuous phosphorus acquisition hypothesis, which suggests that rapid colonization of seedlings by ectomycorrhizal fungi, their ability to capture phosphorus from different chemical forms, and allocation of carbon from host plants contribute to this distinct structure.
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Sara Loefqvist, Rachael D. Garrett, Jaboury Ghazoul
Summary: Increased private finance can accelerate forest and landscape restoration globally. Private actors are motivated by market incentives such as net-emission-reduction commitments, impact and sustainable branding opportunities, and promotion of sustainability in supply chains. However, asset managers face barriers due to perceived high risk and low profitability of restoration investments. Private finance tends to favor low-risk areas and areas with business presence, while neglecting projects focusing on natural regeneration. Scaling private finance for restoration requires expanded and diversified markets, strong public policy support, and innovative financial instruments.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kavita Sharma, Gretchen Walters, Marc J. Metzger, Jaboury Ghazoul
Summary: In response to global crises, the UN calls for restoring a billion hectares of land, with governments and the private sector pledging to restore landscapes. Private sector investment, through various instruments, plays a critical role in meeting these goals. However, the emphasis on the private sector obscures the role of state institutions in engaging multi-scalar institutions and actors.
Article
Environmental Studies
William Baldwin-Cantello, Dave Tickner, Mark Wright, Michael Clark, Stephen Cornelius, Karen Ellis, Angela Francis, Jaboury Ghazoul, James E. Gordon, Nathanial Matthews, E. J. Milner-Gulland, Pete Smith, Simon Walmsley, Lucy Young
Summary: Humankind faces a Triple Challenge: averting dangerous climate change, reversing biodiversity loss, and supporting the wellbeing of a growing population. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach to land and water management, setting priority policy responses, and identifying trade-offs through equitable dialogue processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jedediah F. Brodie, Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan, Cheng Chen, Oliver R. Wearn, Mairin C. M. Deith, James G. C. Ball, Eleanor M. Slade, David F. R. P. Burslem, Shu Woan Teoh, Peter J. Williams, An Nguyen, Jonathan H. Moore, Scott J. Goetz, Patrick Burns, Patrick Jantz, Christopher R. Hakkenberg, Zaneta M. Kaszta, Sam Cushman, David Coomes, Olga E. Helmy, Glen Reynolds, Jon Paul Rodriguez, Walter Jetz, Matthew Scott Luskin
Summary: The United Nations has agreed to expand global protected areas (PAs) to slow biodiversity loss. However, the effectiveness of reserves in preserving animal diversity and their impact on surrounding unprotected areas are still unclear. This study found that PAs in Southeast Asia contribute to vertebrate conservation both inside and outside their boundaries, providing support for the UN's goal of achieving 30% PA coverage by 2030.
Letter
Plant Sciences
David Johnson, Xubing Liu, David F. R. P. Burslem
TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryan Veryard, Jinhui Wu, Michael J. O'Brien, Rosila Anthony, Sabine Both, David F. R. P. Burslem, Bin Chen, Elena Fernandez-Miranda Cagigal, H. Charles J. Godfray, Elia Godoong, Shunlin Liang, Philippe Saner, Bernhard Schmid, Yap Sau Wai, Jun Xie, Glen Reynolds, Andy Hector
Summary: Experiments have shown a positive relationship between ecosystem functioning and biodiversity levels, but it is unclear how widespread these effects are in real-world settings. This study used remote-sensing data to test the impact of tree diversity on the restoration of selectively logged forests, and demonstrated that using diverse mixtures of species can accelerate the recovery process.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fiona L. Giacomini, John A. Prempeh, Riina Jalonen, Barbara Vinceti, Marius Ekue, Ennia Bosshard, David F. R. P. Burslem, Chris J. Kettle
Summary: Commitments to forest and landscape restoration are on the rise globally, but the native tree seed supply systems in several countries lack adequacy and need improvement in policy, capacity building, and investment.
Article
Forestry
Nadine Keller, Pascal A. Niklaus, Jaboury Ghazoul, Tobias Marfil, Elia Godoong, Christopher D. Philipson
Summary: Active forest restoration can promote species diversity and the recovery of rare species, but its effects on seedling quantity and lianas are not significant.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)