Article
Environmental Sciences
Bin Li, Yuyu Wang, Wenzhuo Tan, Neil Saintilan, Guangchun Lei, Li Wen
Summary: Habitat degradation is expected to alter community structure and ecosystem functions, affecting biodiversity. Positive species covariance and community stability were found to be impacted by nutrient levels and habitat types. Ecological stochasticity was higher in natural sites compared to modified habitats, suggesting deterministic processes could control community composition.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michal Rybak, Kinga Drzewiecka, Magdalena Wozniak, Safa Oksuz, Michal Krueger, Tadeusz Sobczynski, Izabela Ratajczak, Tomasz Joniak
Summary: Accelerated lakes eutrophication is a major challenge nowadays. Large-scale restoration treatments for lakes are carried out worldwide, but little research has been done on the impact of these treatments on water organisms and ecosystem homeostasis. This microcosm study investigates the effects of a phosphorus coagulant on a model macrophyte species and reveals that chemical lake restoration treatments may have far-reaching consequences for the biogeochemical cycle and food web functioning.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalie R. Graham, Henrik Krehenwinkel, Jun Ying Lim, Phillip Staniczenko, Jackson Callaghan, Jeremy C. Andersen, Daniel S. Gruner, Rosemary G. Gillespie
Summary: This study used a geological chronosequence across the Hawaiian Islands to examine the changes in ecological communities with community age. By sampling arthropod and plant communities and analyzing their interactions, the study found that the number of interactions, ratio of plant to arthropod species, and interaction evenness increased significantly with community age. Additionally, the index of specialization had a curvilinear relationship with community age. These findings indicate that younger communities have fewer but stronger interactions, while older communities become more diverse and even.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jing-zhong Chen, Xiao-long Huang, Qing-wen Sun, Ji-ming Liu
Summary: The rhizosphere microbial community is an important factor for plant growth and health. It is still debated whether this community is formed through recruitment from the rhizosphere or the random dispersal of the bulk soil microbial reservoir. By continuously sampling for 2 years, we observed changes in the microbial community of Cinmaomum migao, an endangered plant species endemic to China, in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. Our study revealed that while the community composition of the rhizosphere and bulk soil microbiomes is similar at higher taxonomic levels, they significantly differ at lower taxonomic levels and in terms of functional composition. Plant roots play a recruitment role in encountering different bulk soil microbial reservoirs, but chance selection may also contribute to the formation of bulk soil microbial reservoirs with similar functions.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Marco Tulio Angulo, Aaron Kelley, Luis Montejano, Chuliang Song, Serguei Saavedra
Summary: The central goal of ecological research is to understand the limits on the maximum number of species that can coexist. The authors introduce a formalism based on algebraic topology and homology theory to study the space of species coexistence, revealing the existence of ubiquitous discontinuities known as coexistence holes.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jorge Isla, Miguel Jacome-Flores, Juan M. Arroyo, Pedro Jordano
Summary: This study investigates the plant-frugivore interactions in the rapid population expansion of a Mediterranean juniper. The researchers found that these interactions are reconfigured to adapt to the expansion landscape template, and this reconfiguration accelerates plant colonization.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
F. M. Windsor
Summary: Research in freshwater ecosystems has historically focused on trophic interactions and food webs, but there is a need to investigate a wider range of non-trophic interactions and the ecological networks they form. Understanding all potential interactions, from mutualistic to antagonistic, is crucial for understanding ecosystem assembly, structure, and function. To advance our understanding, we can learn from research in marine and terrestrial ecosystems and utilize emerging technologies to merge ecological interactions in freshwater ecosystems into networks.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric W. Jones, Jean M. Carlson, David A. Sivak, William B. Ludington
Summary: Observational studies show significant variability in microbiome composition among individuals, with interactions between bacteria affecting the microbiome assembly process. In experiments with germ-free flies fed known bacterial species at high concentrations, it was found that some species colonize more frequently than others. The presence of context-dependent interactions between bacterial species can substantially improve the performance of models in predicting colonization outcomes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cheng Chen, Guoyu Yin, Lijun Hou, Yinghui Jiang, Dongyao Sun, Xia Liang, Ping Han, Yanling Zheng, Min Liu
Summary: This study investigated the temporal dynamics, assembly processes, co-occurrence patterns, and multifunctionality of bacterial and fungal communities following reclamation of tidal flats to paddy soils. The findings showed that reclamation caused a decrease in diversity, changes in assembly processes, simplified co-occurrence patterns, and decreased multifunctionality of the coastal ecosystems.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
T. Koroleva, I. N. Semenkov, A. Sharapova, P. P. Krechetov, S. A. Lednev
Summary: This paper briefly described the ecological consequences of six space rocket accidents launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome between 1999 and 2018, with a focus on assessing the efficiency of soil remediation following the severe environmental impact caused by the accidental crash of launch vehicle Proton-M in 2013. Measures such as soil detoxication, excavation, and ploughing were implemented to mitigate the pollution, leading to improved soil conditions two years later. However, soil microbial communities remained vulnerable, as indicated by low biochemical oxygen demand and cellulase activity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Catia Venancio, Isabel Lopes, Miguel Oliveira
Summary: This work reviews studies comparing the effects of biopolymers and petroleum-based plastics and finds that only a limited number of biopolymers have been tested, highlighting the need for more research. The available studies suggest that bioplastics are likely to have negative impacts on biota and can also result in changes in water and sediment quality.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yongshi Zhou, Zihao Zheng, Zhifeng Wu, Cheng Guo, Yingbiao Chen
Summary: Metropolitan regions face sustainability challenges, including resource overexploitation, land scarcity, and ecological degradation, leading to the collapse of ecological networks. This study focuses on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and proposes an ecological resistance indicator system to balance natural conditions and human disturbance. An urbanized area-specific construction scheme is established to simulate ecological networks at a more precise scale. The findings highlight the spatial disparity and human activity disturbance's impact on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area's ecological networks, emphasizing the need for complementary ecological corridors in urban planning.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2023)
Article
Mathematics, Interdisciplinary Applications
Ricardo Martinez-Garcia, Ciro Cabal, Justin M. Calabrese, Emilio Hernandez-Garcia, Corina E. Tarnita, Cristobal Lopez, Juan A. Bonachela
Summary: Self-organized vegetation patterns in drylands are important indicators of ecosystem health, but the mechanisms underlying their emergence are still unclear. The existence of focal plants and the inter-individual distance can greatly affect the fitness of neighboring plants. Alternative theories, assuming inhibitory plant interactions with scale-dependent intensity, can also explain observed vegetation patterns. However, these alternative hypotheses predict contrasting desertification dynamics, challenging the use of vegetation patterns as ecosystem-state indicators. Further research and experimental testing are needed to understand pattern-forming mechanisms and improve predictions on ecosystem fate.
CHAOS SOLITONS & FRACTALS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Cecilia Gonzalez
Summary: The evaluation of ecosystem state is a significant concern for humanity. The concept of ecological integrity has been present in public policy and academia for decades, evolving from an ambiguous notion to more transparent terms. The shift towards complexity sciences in the study of ecosystem functioning has led to the development of network theory and information theory as methodologies. Implementing these new frameworks will bring novel insights into the functioning of ecosystems and the impact of management strategies.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leto Peel, Tiago P. Peixoto, Manlio De Domenico
Summary: The number of network science applications is rapidly increasing across various fields, but there is a risk of disconnect between theory and practice. This article discusses good practices to ensure successful applications and reproducible results.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Pete Smith, Saskia D. Keesstra, Whendee L. Silver, Tapan K. Adhya, Gerlinde B. De Deyn, Luisa G. Carvalheiro, Donna L. Giltrap, Phil Renforth, Kun Cheng, Binoy Sarkar, Patricia M. Saco, Kate Scow, Jo Smith, Jean-Claude Morel, Soeren Thiele-Bruhn, Rattan Lal, Pam McElwee
Summary: This article assesses the contribution of soils to Nature's Contributions to People and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of soil management for maintaining and improving soil health. It highlights the essential role of soils in achieving the SDG targets by 2030 and broader sustainable development in the future.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ana Paula Aprigio Assis, Paulo Roberto Guimaraes
Summary: Understanding how biological complexity affects the persistence and adaptation of populations is crucial, and ecological interactions play a significant role in this process. However, studies focusing on these two levels of complexity are limited.
AMERICAN NATURALIST
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pedro Mittelman, Anna Rebello Landim, Luisa Genes, Ana Paula A. Assis, Carolina Starling-Manne, Paula V. Leonardo, Fernando A. S. Fernandez, Paulo R. Guimaraes, Alexandra S. Pires
Summary: Species reintroductions can increase network connectance, nestedness, robustness, number of pathways, and total amount of indirect effects, surpassing the impact of simply increasing species richness. Multiple reintroductions in the same area may have a greater restoration effect than single species reintroductions.
Article
Ecology
Pamela Friedemann, Marina Correa Cortes, Everaldo Rodrigo de Castro, Mauro Galetti, Pedro Jordano, Paulo R. Guimaraes Jr
Summary: The study found that individual palm characteristics did not influence interaction patterns in the network, but habitat type significantly affected network modularity. This suggests that the organization of individual-based networks is mainly driven by habitat type.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Tomas A. Carlo, Eliana Cazetta, Anna Traveset, Paulo R. Guimaraes, Kim R. McConkey
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Julia Tavella, Fredric M. Windsor, Debora C. Rother, Darren M. Evans, Paulo R. Guimaraes, Tania P. Palacios, Marcelo Lois, Mariano Devoto
Summary: Advances in network ecology provide new tools for sustainable management of agroecosystems. This study explores the use of motifs in agricultural ecological networks to identify key plant species in field margins. The findings support the use of motifs in multi-trophic interaction networks to reveal the role of key plant species in sustaining ecological functions involving crops and other plant species.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rodrigo Cogni, Tiago B. Quental, Paulo R. Guimaraes Jr
Summary: The classic paper by Ehrlich and Raven on coevolution has had a significant impact on the study of coevolution and has inspired generations of scientists. Their contributions include exploring the genetic mechanisms of coevolutionary interactions, investigating the association between coevolutionary diversification and ecological network organization, and examining micro- and macroevolutionary mechanisms and patterns under their hypothesis. This paper discusses overlooked aspects and future directions for the study of coevolutionary dynamics and diversification.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oksana Coban, Gerlinde B. De Deyn, Martine van der Ploeg
Summary: Land degradation reduces soil functioning and the services it provides. Soil hydrological functions are crucial in combating soil degradation and promoting restoration. While soil microorganisms affect soil hydrology, their role in soil formation and maintenance remains poorly explored. Case studies suggest the potential of soil microorganisms as game-changers in restoring soil functions.
Article
Ecology
Ana Paula A. Assis, Mauro Galetti, Kate P. Maia, Paulo R. Guimaraes
Summary: Morphological attributes play a crucial role in determining the success of ecological interactions and can exhibit high levels of intraspecific variation within and among populations. Different populations show slight differences in mean morphological attributes, with populations in stress areas demonstrating lower evolvability in response to selection pressure and environmental changes.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Simon Jeffery, Tess F. J. van de Voorde, W. Edwin Harris, Liesje Mommer, Jan Willem Van Groenigen, Gerlinde B. De Deyn, Flemming Ekelund, Maria J. I. Briones, T. Martijn Bezemer
Summary: This study investigated the effects of biochar on soil biota and plant community composition. The results showed that biochar produced from meadow cuttings and applied at a rate of 10 t/ha had transient impacts on soil biota abundance and plant communities over a 3-year timeframe, with minimal effects on soil biota diversity and plant biodiversity and productivity.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lucas A. Camacho, Cecilia Siliansky de Andreazzi, Lucas P. Medeiros, Irina Birskis-Barros, Carine Emer, Carolina Reigada, Paulo R. R. Guimaraes Jr
Summary: A fundamental fact about mutualisms is that there are cheaters that benefit from the use of resources and services without providing any positive feedback to other species. The role of cheaters in the evolutionary dynamics of mutualisms has long been recognized, yet their broader impacts at the community level, beyond species they directly interact with, is still poorly understood. Because mutualisms form networks often involving dozens of species, indirect effects generated by cheaters may cascade through the whole community, reshaping trait evolution.
Article
Ecology
Fernando Cesar Goncalves Bonfim, Pavel Dodonov, Paulo R. R. Guimaraes Jr, Eliana Cazetta
Summary: Habitat loss has pervasive effects on biodiversity and ecological networks, leading to changes in network structure, species roles, and seed dispersal. Linear and non-linear relationships were found between habitat loss and network properties. In addition, habitat loss alters species interactions in the networks, affecting central species and indirect effects.
Article
Agronomy
Javier Palomino, Pablo Garcia-Palacios, Gerlinde B. B. De Deyn, Laura Beatriz Martinez-Garcia, Sara Sanchez-Moreno, Ruben Milla
Summary: Plant domestication has led to changes in leaf litter quality, affecting decomposition and soil decomposer communities. Domesticated litters decompose faster and have different impacts on soil bacteria, fungi, and nematodes.
Review
Plant Sciences
Jason D. Fridley, Xiaojuan Liu, Natalia Perez-Harguindeguy, F. Stuart Chapin III, Mick Crawley, Gerlinde De Deyn, Sandra Diaz, James B. Grace, Peter Grubb, Susan Harrison, Sandra Lavorel, Zhimin Liu, Simon Pierce, Bernhard Schmid, Carly Stevens, David A. Wardle, Mark Westoby
Summary: J.P. Grime's contribution to the study of plant ecology has been instrumental in establishing it as an internationally recognized field in relation to global environmental change. In an article in the Journal of Ecology, 14 senior plant ecologists from around the world highlight Grime's foundational role in plant functional ecology, including his ability to spark controversy, his unique approach to theory formulation through clever experiments and standardized trait measurements, and the continued impact of his work on ecological science and policy.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leandro G. Cosmo, Ana Paula A. Assis, Marcus A. M. de Aguiar, Mathias M. Pires, Alfredo Valido, Pedro Jordano, John N. Thompson, Jordi Bascompte, Paulo R. Guimaraes Jr
Summary: Ecological interactions are vital for maintaining biodiversity on Earth. This study investigates the impact of direct and indirect effects in mutualistic networks, showing that indirect effects play a major role in determining species fitness. Indirect effects prevent coevolving species from adapting to their mutualistic partners and other environmental pressures, resulting in decreased fitness. The topological effect of peripheral species experiencing more indirect effects and greater reduction in fitness compared to central species is evident. The study also highlights how honeybees as a central species in pollination networks increase indirect effects, thus reducing the fitness of other species.
