Article
Behavioral Sciences
Topi K. Lehtonen, Natarsha L. Babic, Timo Piepponen, Otso Valkeeniemi, Anna-Maria Borshagovski, Arja Kaitala
Summary: In a human-modified landscape, the European common glow-worm larvae exhibit a strongly female-biased dispersal behavior, selecting to move through roads, but often perishing when run over by vehicles. This highlights roads as potential ecological traps for female glow-worm larvae in modern society.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Alix E. Matthews, Katrin Kellner, Jon N. Seal
Summary: A study on the fungus-gardening ant Trachymyrmex septentrionalis revealed a gender-biased dispersal pattern, with males showing more long-distance dispersal compared to females (and the associated fungus). This limitation on female dispersal may act as a bottleneck for fungal genetic diversification.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Min Yu, Qin Liu, Ya-Yong Wu, Peng Guo, Kong Yang
Summary: Dispersal plays a vital role in the distribution, genetic structure, dynamics, and evolution of species. This study reveals female-biased dispersal patterns in the Asian pitviper, which may be explained by local resource competition.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pedro A. Peres, Ana Paula Ferreira, Glauco B. O. Machado, Marianne Azevedo-Silva, Silvana G. L. Siqueira, Fosca P. P. Leite
Summary: Behavioral differences between males and females can lead to sex-biased dispersal, depending on the spatial scale. While male-biased dispersal was observed over small scales, at local and large scales, there was no significant difference in dispersal between males and females. Juveniles were found to have higher dispersal rates than adults. Additionally, genetic structure did not differ between sexes at different spatial scales.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2021)
Article
Mathematics, Applied
A. Acharya, S. Bandyopadhyay, J. T. Cronin, J. Goddard II, A. Muthunayake, R. Shivaji
Summary: Understanding the impact of landscape heterogeneity on population dynamics and species coexistence is crucial. This study explores the dynamics of the diffusive Lotka-Volterra competition model in a fragmented landscape, providing a mechanistic connection between the model and its biological underpinnings. The findings highlight the tradeoff between dispersal and competitive ability as a key mechanism for promoting coexistence among competing species.
NONLINEAR ANALYSIS-REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Nicole Reguera-Rouzaud, Noe Diaz-Viloria, Ricardo Perez-Enriquez, Elaine Espino-Barr, Mailin Isabel Rivera-Lucero, Adrian Munguia-Vega
Summary: The study analyzed the genetic structure of Pacific red snapper and yellow snapper in the tropical eastern Pacific region, finding significant genetic structure in both species at different locations, mainly influenced by factors such as isolation by distance and habitat differences.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ayesha Akram, Muhammad Rais, Muhammad Saeed, Waseem Ahmed, Sumbul Gill, Jibran Haider
Summary: Endemic anurans such as the Murree Hills Frog and Hazara Torrent Frog in Pakistan live in specific habitats and exhibit limited movement range within their environment, with most individuals moving less than 3 meters. The study suggests a movement paradigm for conservation implications, highlighting the importance of understanding the behavior of these endemic frogs.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Bruce G. Baldwin, Kenneth R. Wood, William A. Freyman
Summary: Expanded phylogenetic analyses of the Hawaiian silversword alliance revealed possible chloroplast capture events, and highlighted that diversification on Kaua'i has not decreased as the island has subsided and eroded.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Catherine A. Welke, Brendan Graham, Ross R. Conover, James W. Rivers, Theresa M. Burg
Summary: This study used molecular markers, morphology, and habitat modeling to investigate the genetic differentiation within three subspecies of white-crowned sparrows. The results indicated that geographic distance, elevation, and ecosystem type are key factors contributing to population genetic structure at both rangewide and local scales.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
P. Colom, A. Traveset, M. R. Shaw, C. Stefanescu
Summary: This study used two congeneric butterfly species to examine the factors influencing intraspecific variation in their abundance. The results showed that climate and resource availability played important roles in determining butterfly abundance, while parasitism did not explain the differences between islands and mainland. These findings provide insights into the spatial variation of species abundance.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Julian Schrader, Mark Westoby, Ian J. Wright, Holger Kreft
Summary: Species diversity on islands generally increases with island area. Traits of woody plants, such as tree height, wood density, leaf nitrogen concentration and chlorophyll content, are mainly affected by basal area, which in turn is influenced by both island area and soil depth. Seed and fruit mass variations among islands are explained by a combination of basal area, island area, and isolation.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Carolyn E. E. Decker, Scott W. W. Buchanan, Nancy E. E. Karraker
Summary: This study tracked and documented the movements and habitat use of diamondback terrapin hatchlings in Rhode Island, USA. The research found that upland overwintering sites were important for the turtle population, with hatchlings typically choosing to overwinter near habitat edges. Protecting these terrapins involves limiting heavy equipment usage near nest sites and scheduling vegetation management during colder months when hatchlings are inactive.
JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Stephanie A. Rivest, Heather M. Kharouba
Summary: The frequency of introducing non-native species is increasing, but only a few become invasive. This study investigated the ecology of the European common blue butterfly in Canada, finding that its abundance is highest in areas with moderate habitat disturbance and urban landscapes, and it has low to moderate dispersal ability. Further research is needed to understand potential range-constraining factors and the trajectory of its range expansion.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
David Ainley, Stephanie Schneider, Gregory Spencer
Summary: The population trends of seabirds nesting on Kaua'i in the Hawaiian Islands, USA, were assessed over four decades using data from the Save Our Shearwaters (SOS) program. The decline of Newell's Shearwater was observed, while other species like Wedge-tailed Shearwater and White-tailed Tropicbird showed increasing trends. The decline in Newell's Shearwater may have led to a competitive release of resources and nesting habitats, benefiting other species.
MARINE ORNITHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Searrah R. Bierker, Frances Brubaker, Kendra E. Scheideman, Mars Ciamacco, Meghan E. Harris, Ryan M. Utz
Summary: Invasive plants have a significant impact on food webs, especially on small mammal assemblages that rely on them for cover from predators. This study found that Oriental Bittersweet and Autumn Olive may play important roles in influencing small mammal foraging patterns.
NORTHEASTERN NATURALIST
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Javier Lazaro, Lucie Novakova, Moritz Hertel, Jan R. E. Taylor, Marion Muturi, Karol Zub, Dina K. N. Dechmann
Summary: Dehnel's Phenomenon is observed in small mammals where body mass, braincase, and brain size decrease significantly from summer to winter, followed by regrowth in spring. The intensity of these changes varies between locations and is linked to environmental conditions. Patterns of brain re-organization may be influenced by geographic factors.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Fisheries
Ilaria Coscia, Allan D. McDevitt
FISH AND FISHERIES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Miranda, Iwona Giska, Liliana Farelo, Joao Pimenta, Marketa Zimova, Jaroslaw Bryk, Love Dalen, L. Scott Mills, Karol Zub, Jose Melo-Ferreira
Summary: The study investigated the genetic basis and evolution of winter coat coloration morphs in least weasels using a museomics approach. It identified a 200-kb genomic region linked to coloration morph, primarily involving the pigmentation gene MC1R and a candidate amino acid change. This research demonstrates a new evolutionary route for generating winter color variation in mammals and provides insights into the modulation of seasonal camouflage by changes at single key genes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Xavier A. Harrison, Allan D. McDevitt, Jenny C. Dunn, Sarah M. Griffiths, Chiara Benvenuto, Richard Birtles, Jean P. Boubli, Kevin Bown, Calum Bridson, Darren R. Brooks, Samuel S. Browett, Ruth F. Carden, Julian Chantrey, Friederike Clever, Ilaria Coscia, Katie L. Edwards, Natalie Ferry, Ian Goodhead, Andrew Highlands, Jane Hopper, Joseph Jackson, Robert Jehle, Mariane da Cruz Kaizer, Tony King, Jessica M. D. Lea, Jessica L. Lenka, Alexandra McCubbin, Jack McKenzie, Barbara Lins Caldas de Moraes, Denise B. O'Meara, Poppy Pescod, Richard F. Preziosi, Jennifer K. Rowntree, Susanne Shultz, Matthew J. Silk, Jennifer E. Stockdale, William O. C. Symondson, Mariana Villalba de la Pena, Susan L. Walker, Michael D. Wood, Rachael E. Antwis
Summary: The study reveals strong covariation between fungal and bacterial communities across host phylogeny, indicating host recruitment of specific microbial suites. Host phylogeny and diet affect microbial community richness, and sample processing methods impact community composition.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Allan D. McDevitt, Ilaria Coscia, Samuel S. Browett, Aritz Ruiz-Gonzalez, Mark J. Statham, Iwona Ruczynska, Liam Roberts, Joanna Stojak, Alain C. Frantz, Karin Noren, Erik O. Agren, Jane Learmount, Mafalda Basto, Carlos Fernandes, Peter Stuart, David G. Tosh, Magda Sindicic, Tibor Andreanszky, Marja Isomursu, Marek Panek, Andrey Korolev, Innokentiy M. Okhlopkov, Alexander P. Saveljev, Bostjan Pokorny, Katarina Flajsman, Stephen W. R. Harrison, Vladimir Lobkov, Dusko Cirovic, Jacinta Mullins, Cino Pertoldi, Ettore Randi, Benjamin N. Sacks, Rafal Kowalczyk, Jan M. Wojcik
Summary: This study used genome-wide data to reconstruct the phylogeographic history of the red fox, revealing the importance of refugial regions and testing post-glacial recolonization scenarios. The results suggest a natural colonization of Ireland during the early post-glacial period and point to ancient land-bridges in the colonization of the British Isles.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas G. Curran, Samuel S. Browett, David O'Neill, Aidan O'Hanlon, Catherine O'Reilly, Andrew P. Harrington, Allan D. McDevitt, Denise B. O'Meara
Summary: In this study, DNA metabarcoding was used to analyze DNA extracted from bat faecal pellets in Ireland, resulting in the detection of multiple arthropod species. The findings suggest that the lesser horseshoe bat may provide important ecosystem services, and the discovery of potentially new species in Ireland highlights the importance of further research.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Felipe Ennes Silva, Joao Valsecchi do Amaral, Christian Roos, Mark Bowler, Fabio Rohe, Ricardo Sampaio, Mareike Cora Janiak, Fabricio Bertuol, Marcelo Ismar Santana, Jose de Souza Silva Junior, Anthony B. Rylands, Chrysoula Gubili, Tomas Hrbek, Allan D. McDevitt, Jean P. Boubli
Summary: Using mitochondrial and genome-wide data, we confirmed the reciprocal monophyly of five lineages in bald uakaris. The species diversification occurred within the last 300,000 years and could be influenced by the formation of rivers and flooded forests in western Amazonia. Therefore, we propose upgrading the four bald uakari subspecies to species level and describing a new species from the Tarauacá River basin.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mariane C. Kaizer, Thiago H. G. Alvim, Claudio L. Novaes, Allan D. Mcdevitt, Robert J. Young
Summary: The Atlantic Forest of South America has a rich terrestrial biodiversity but has experienced significant deforestation. This study used arboreal camera trapping for the first time to investigate the mammal community in the Caparao National Park, Brazil. The results showed that the camera traps were effective in detecting arboreal mammals of various sizes, including endangered species. The findings highlight the potential of arboreal camera trapping in informing conservation strategies.
Article
Ecology
Jan R. E. Taylor, Marion Muturi, Javier Lazaro, Karol Zub, Dina K. N. Dechmann
Summary: Global climate change affects animal body size and seasonal changes, which can have severe impacts on population dynamics.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Elizabeth Croose, Ruth Hanniffy, Andrew Harrington, Madis Podra, Asun Gomez, Polly L. Bolton, Jenna V. Lavin, Samuel S. Browett, Javier Pinedo, David Lacanal, Inaki Galdos, Jon Ugarte, Aitor Torre, Patrick Wright, Jenny MacPherson, Allan D. McDevitt, Stephen P. Carter, Lauren A. Harrington
Summary: Monitoring the critically endangered European mink is challenging due to its elusive nature, and there is a need to evaluate survey methods and establish a standard monitoring methodology. In this study, four methods were compared for their efficacy in detecting European mink, with camera trapping and hair tubes showing the highest probability of detection. A combination of at least two methods, such as camera traps or hair tubes with live trapping or environmental DNA, is recommended for future monitoring programs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
L. McGill, A. D. McDevitt, B. Hellemans, F. Neat, H. Knutsen, S. Mariani, H. Christiansen, T. Johansen, F. A. M. Volckaert, I Coscia
Summary: This study focuses on two commercially important gadoid species, the common ling and the blue ling, which have overlapping geographical distribution but different depth habitats. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis revealed genetic differentiation in both species, with two major groups identified for each species. Fine-scale genetic structure was found along the coast of Norway for the common ling, while the blue ling showed stronger signals of differentiation related to adaptation to different depth habitats and cold temperatures.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Beau N. Strijker, Karolina Iwinska, Bram van Der Zalm, Karol Zub, Jan S. Boratynski
Summary: Over the past 20 years, behavioral physiologists have been trying to explain the relationship between energy and personality, as hinted by the pace-of-life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis. However, the results have been mixed, with no definitive answer as to whether performance or allocation models can predict the covariation between metabolism and behavior. The lack of association between energetics and personality traits may be due to different selection acting on the life histories of males and females.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Piotr Chibowski, Marcin Brzezinski, Malgorzata Suska-Malawska, Karol Zub
Summary: We conducted a nonlethal feeding experiment to measure trophic discrimination factors (TDFs) in two rodent species fed different diets. The study found that yellow-necked mice and bank voles had different TDFs and showed variations in their fecal isotopic composition. Additionally, the moult intensity differed between the two species.
ANNALES ZOOLOGICI FENNICI
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Adam Zbyryt, Karol Zub, Cezary Mitrus
Summary: Rook, a bird species that nests in groups, seems to be less adaptable to rapid climate changes due to its conservative attachment to day length, which is the main factor influencing their breeding behavior, especially nest construction. The decline in the breeding population of the Rook in the last three decades may be indirectly influenced by climate change.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Karol Zub, Pablo Garcia-Diaz, Sarah Sankey, Robert Eisler, Xavier Lambin
Summary: Eradication of invasive non-native species is a large and expensive project that benefits from the use of quantitative tools. This study focuses on the case of stoat eradication and uses data and models to track the progress of the eradication project. The analysis highlights the importance of different data sources and models in evaluating the effectiveness of the trapping approaches and informing project managers.
FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2022)
