Article
Ecology
Deng Wei, Yuan Cai-Lian, Li Na, Liu Shuo-Ran, Yang Xiao-Yan, Xiao Wen
Summary: This study utilized leaves as island models to assess microbial biodiversity, revealing significant microbial SAR in deciduous trees but not in evergreen trees. There were no significant differences in microbial diversity at the alpha diversity level, but significant differences were observed in beta diversity. Consistent historical background may mask microbial SAR, highlighting the importance of intensive sampling and consistent historical background for understanding microbial SAR.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Josiele Alves Pereira, Agnaldo Silva Martins, Jeffrey A. Seminoff, Ana Carolina de Azevedo Mazzuco
Summary: This study examines the nesting population of green turtles at Trindade Island over a period of 23 years. The results show a significant decrease in annual mean nesting size, indicating an increase in the relative proportion of smaller nesters. However, there was no significant change in post-maturity somatic growth rate.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana Lucia Vendel, Anderson Kelvin Saraiva Macedo, Jicaury Roberta Pereira da Silva, Jonas de Andrade Santos, Vivianne Evelyn do Nascimento Alves, Ricardo de Souza Rosa
Summary: The Paraiba River estuary, the largest and most important estuary in Paraiba state, northeastern Brazil, is facing intense environmental degradation due to human activities. This study presents a list of fish species captured in this estuary, highlighting the low species richness and the vulnerable status of several fish species.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
P. Gatts, M. A. L. Franco, M. G. Almeida, C. E. de Rezende, P. A. S. Costa
Summary: The study assessed the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in three demersal guilds on the southeastern Brazilian coast to understand their trophic relationships. It was found that the organic matter pool supporting the demersal food web is a mixture of marine and terrigenous sources, with the Paraiba do Sul River having a significant influence regardless of seasonality. The research also highlighted the importance of terrestrial organic matter sources from the river to shallow coastal demersal food webs in the region.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ana Cecilia Giacometti Mai, Bianca Possamai
Summary: Classifying organisms into guilds is a useful strategy for addressing taxonomic differences and comparing ecosystems worldwide. In this study, the fish assemblage of Patos Lagoon Estuary in South Brazil was evaluated and classified into standardized guilds based on estuarine use, feeding mode, and reproductive strategy. The majority of fish species in the estuary were found to be marine, with zoobenthivores being the dominant feeding mode. The study also provided an updated and unified list of fish species in the estuary, assisting future research on estuarine assemblages in the Warm Temperate Southwestern Atlantic Province and globally.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Paulo E. A. S. Camara, Fabio Leal Viana Bones, Fabyano Alvares Cardoso Lopes, Fabio S. Oliveira, Cristine Chaves Barreto, Diego Knop Henriques, Larissa Paraguassu Campos, Micheline Carvalho-Silva, Peter Convey, Luiz Henrique Rosa
Summary: Trindade Island, the most recent volcanic component of Brazilian territory, has experienced severe damage to its native vegetation due to human influence. However, after the eradication of goats and other feral animals, the island's vegetation has been recovering, and even rediscovery of endemic species previously considered extinct has been made. Using high throughput sequencing, this study reveals a rich and complex diversity of microorganisms, invertebrates, and plants in the recovering native forest of Trindade Island.
Article
Ecology
Alessandro Chiarucci, Riccardo Guarino, Salvatore Pasta, Alfonso La Rosa, Pietro Lo Cascio, Frederic Medail, Daniel Pavon, Jose Maria Fernandez-Palacios, Piero Zannini
Summary: This study confirms that the plant species richness in the Aeolian Archipelago follows typical Island Species-Area Relationship (ISAR), shows no peculiarities compared to land bridge archipelagos, and has somewhat unclear signal for the small-island effect.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Maria Magdalena Ordonez-Resendiz, Pablo Corcuera, Claudia Ballesteros-Barrera, Santiago Zaragoza-Caballero
Summary: We studied the composition and diversity of Scarabaeidae communities in the Sierras de Taxco-Huautla Priority Conservation Region. The study was conducted from May 2007 to November 2014, and the dominant vegetation types were temperate forest, tropical dry forest, mountain cloud forest, and agricultural and pasture management zones. We collected 2596 individuals belonging to 164 scarab morphospecies from six subfamilies, 23 tribes, and 47 genera. The most diverse subfamilies were Melolonthinae and Scarabaeinae, and the most diverse and abundant genus was Phyllophaga. The tropical dry forest and agricultural/pasture management zones had the highest species diversity and dominance values.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joseph J. Bizzarro, John C. Field, Jarrod A. Santora, K. Alexandra Curtis, Brian K. Wells
Summary: This study defines trophic guilds within biogeographic regions of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) and compares the results among these regions. The researchers found that each region had distinctive trophic guild structures, driven by species composition and ecological characteristics. They also emphasize the importance of considering spatial and temporal scales of coherence in predator and prey dynamics for ecosystem modeling and management strategies.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Natalia Rosas-Ramos, Josep D. Asis, Estefania Tobajas, Victor de Paz, Laura Banos-Picon
Summary: The conversion of traditional land-use systems into more intensive agriculture forms plays a major role in biodiversity loss. Organic management has been widely studied for its potential to enhance biodiversity, but its contribution remains controversial. This study in traditional cherry orchards in Spain found that organic orchards supported a higher number of beetle families and greater plant species richness. Beetle and plant communities were highly correlated, with conventional orchards being more homogeneous in composition and organic orchards being more influenced by topographic features.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joana Tomazelli, Gabriela Zimmermann Prado Rodrigues, Danielle Franco, Mateus Santos de Souza, Jorge Henrique Burghausen, Jenifer Panizzon, Juliana Machado Kayser, Marcia Regina Loiko, Anelise Schneider, Rafael Linden, Gunther Gehlen
Summary: This study investigated the response of wild birds to human activities in three different environmental areas in southern Brazil by analyzing metal concentrations in bird feathers and conducting genotoxicity tests. The results showed no significant differences in metal concentrations and micronuclei numbers between sampling areas, but higher zinc and copper concentrations were found in insectivorous birds. The study also revealed that omnivorous birds had more nuclear abnormalities, while juveniles and birds with better body condition index had increased abnormality numbers.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Carolina Almeida Figueiredo, Everton Marques Bongiolo, Martin Jutzeler, Otavio da Fonseca Martins Gomes, Reiner Neumann
Summary: The study focused on the morphology of juvenile pyroclasts from the Trindade Island in Brazil, specifically looking at high-Na alkalic compositions. It found that low-viscosity alkaline olivine nephelinitic compositions generate a wide variety of fragments, including achneliths, Pele's tears, spheres, sideromelane shards, and tachylyte. Different fragmentation mechanisms, such as lava fountaining, Strombolian eruptions, and ash explosions, were identified for these alkaline melt compositions.
JOURNAL OF VOLCANOLOGY AND GEOTHERMAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Hong Lin, Sirong Zhang, Xiaojuan Liu, Keping Ma, Naili Zhang
Summary: Plant diversity, including both tree species richness and within-species genetic richness, plays a significant role in shaping soil fungal communities. Our study used DNA metabarcoding to analyze fungal functional guilds and environmental properties in a large experiment manipulating tree species and genetic richness. We found that tree species richness indirectly decreased soil fungal diversity, while tree genetic richness increased it by changing soil properties. These results highlight the importance of considering both within and between species effects on soil fungal diversity and exploring the dimensions of biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tammy Iwasa-Arai, Silvana G. L. Siqueira, Juliana L. Segadilha, Fosca P. P. Leite
Summary: This study conducted the first survey on the biodiversity of Peracarida from Trindade Island in Brazil, revealing new species and suggesting an Indo-Pacific origin for the genus based on phylogenetic and biogeographical analyses. A comparison with the closest Abrolhos Archipelago showed a high percentage of endemic species on Trindade Island.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Xoaquin Moreira, Luis Abdala-Roberts
Summary: State of the art theory predicts weaker herbivore pressure on islands than on the mainland, leading to lower investment in plant defenses against herbivory. While early studies supported this prediction, recent research questions this paradigm, suggesting that islands may actually experience higher herbivory and plant defenses. Further research is needed to reassess predictions and investigate underlying mechanisms for observed patterns.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Thiony Simon, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Simoni Santos, Raphael M. Macieira, Yrlene S. S. Ferreira, Giacomo Bernardi, Luiz A. Rocha, Sergio R. Floeter, Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: Studies on oceanic island biodiversity lay the foundation for theoretical work, while seamounts are relatively underexplored. The research suggests that seamounts play a crucial role in supporting subpopulations that eventually lead to island colonization, diversification, and a biodiversity feedback process.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Helder Coelho Guabiroba, Luiz A. Rocha, Jean-Christophe Joyeux, Caio R. Pimentel, Joao Batista Teixeira, Raphael M. Macieira, Joao Luiz Gasparini, Ronaldo Bastos Francini-Filho, Ryan Andrades, Eric Mazzei, Thiony Simon, Marina Sissini, Thiago J. F. Costa, Hudson T. Pinheiro
Summary: Seamounts and oceanic islands play an important role in biodiversity hotspots. This study investigates the fish and benthic communities of Davis seamount in the southwestern Atlantic. The study finds that the reef system at Davis seamount, named Coralline Hills, is mainly composed of coralline algae and sponges, with carnivorous fish dominating the fish biomass. The reef fish community structure at Davis seamount differs significantly from coastal reefs and insular reefs in the region.
Article
Fisheries
Jose Amorim Reis-Filho, Jean-Christophe Joyeux, Caio Ribeiro Pimentel, Joao Batista Teixeira, Raphael Macieira, Ricardo C. Garla, Thayna Mello, Joao Luiz Gasparini, Tommaso Giarrizzo, Luiz Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro
Summary: This study investigates the utility of aerial drones in directly georeferencing fishing activities to improve fishery studies, particularly in Marine Protected Areas. The research was conducted in a potential deregulation marine sanctuary in Brazil, documenting fishing activities and shoreline fishing efforts. The results highlight the importance of aerial monitoring in assessing the impact of expanded fishing activity and enforcing conservation rules.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helder C. Guabiroba, Ciro C. Vilar, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: This study investigates the role of different levels of protection strictness in shaping benthic cover and reef fish community structure in a marine sanctuary. It finds that no-entry zones have higher coral coverage and biomass of piscivores and herbivores compared to tourism-allowed zones, suggesting that the establishment of no-entry zones improves the effectiveness of marine protected areas.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Antonio B. Anderson, Manuela B. Bernardes, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Helder C. Guabiroba, Caio R. Pimentel, Ciro C. Vilar, Luiz E. O. Gomes, Angelo F. Bernardino, Stephanie D. T. Delfino, Tommaso Giarrizzo, Carlos E. L. Ferreira, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: The red porgy is a carnivorous fish that inhabits sandy bottoms, rhodolith beds, and seagrass beds in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Due to overfishing and the effects of global warming, the population of red porgy has declined, making conservation efforts crucial.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kathiani Victor Bastos, Levi Pompermayer Machado, Jean-Christophe Joyeux, Juliana Santos Ferreira, Frederico Pacheco Militao, Valeria de Oliveira Fernandes, Robson Guimaraes Santos
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of environmental degradation on the nutritional value of marine macrophytes consumed by green sea turtles. The findings suggest that urbanization negatively affects the diversity and chemical composition of marine plants, which in turn affects the health of green turtles.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Matthew S. Savoca, Gabriel E. Machovsky-Capuska, Ryan Andrades, Robson G. Santos
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Caio Ribeiro Pimentel, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Tommaso Giarrizzo, Ronaldo B. Francini-Filho, Jose Amorim Reis-Filho, Luiz A. Rocha, Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira, Moyses Cavichioli Barbosa, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: Geographic isolation, low species richness, and high endemism create ideal conditions for studying fish assemblages in oceanic islands. The Saint Peter and Saint Paul's Archipelago, located in the equatorial Atlantic Ocean, provides valuable insights into the taxonomic, trophic, and size structures of fish communities in pelagic and mesophotic reef ecosystems. The presence of steep reef walls facilitates the study of ecological connections between these two ecosystems.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. B. Anderson, H. T. Pinheiro, M. B. Batista, R. B. Francini-Filho, L. E. O. Gomes, A. F. Bernardino, P. Horta, J. C. Joyeux
Summary: Rhodolith beds along the Brazilian coast have a highly diverse associated fish biota, similar to macroalgae beds and coral/rocky reefs. The eastern coast serves as a biogeographic ecotone between tropical and subtropical regions, making it the most diverse portion of the Brazilian Province. However, this region is threatened by intensive extraction of rhodoliths. Conservation strategies and long-term monitoring programs are urgently needed.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Joao P. F. A. Almeida, Oscar K. L. Marques, Tami Mott, Robson G. G. Santos
Summary: Research shows that hybridization is common among sea turtle species in coastal Brazil, primarily between Caretta caretta and Eretmochelys imbricata, and C. caretta and Lepidochelys olivacea. While morphology and mitochondrial DNA can identify most hybrids, some can only be detected using nuclear DNA. Additionally, a stranded E. imbricata was found to have a haplotype and nuclear allele typically found in the Indo-Pacific, suggesting long-distance migration for this species.
Article
Environmental Studies
Paulo Horta, Marina Sissini, Carolina Melissa Mueller, Fernanda M. M. Soares, Paulo Pagliosa, Leonardo Rorig, Jose Bonomi-Barufi, Flavio Berchez, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha, Rodrigo Kerr, Sergio Rossi, Marcelo O. Soares, Jorge L. Rodrigues-Filho, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Luciano Henning, Marcos Aurelio Espindola, Nicole Figueiredo de Oliveira, Alessandra Larissa Fonseca
Summary: Despite global needs, the Brazilian government plans to auction 92 blocks for oil and gas exploration, which would greatly increase the country's fossil fuel emissions. Government actions and omissions, including deforestation and weakening of environmental surveillance, highlight the urgent need for international discussions and barriers to the exploitation of fossil fuel reserves. The UN should take a leading role in orchestrating global efforts to reduce emissions and protect fragile sociobiodiversity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hudson T. Pinheiro, Chancey MacDonald, Robson G. Santos, Ramadhoine Ali, Ayesha Bobat, Benjamin J. Cresswell, Ronaldo Francini-Filho, Rui Freitas, Gemma F. Galbraith, Peter Musembi, Tyler A. Phelps, Juan P. Quimbayo, T. E. Angela L. Quiros, Bart Shepherd, Paris V. Stefanoudis, Sheena Talma, Joao B. Teixeira, Lucy C. Woodall, Luiz A. Rocha
Summary: Coral reefs are being threatened by plastic pollution, in addition to climate change and overfishing. The distribution and quantity of plastics in coral reefs are uncertain, but it has been found that anthropogenic debris, including macroplastics, are present in majority of surveyed reefs. Fishing activities are the main source of plastics in most areas, and macroplastics peak in deeper reefs. These findings can help in designing strategies to address this global threat as the world moves towards a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ralph E. T. Vanstreels, Alexis Durant, Allan P. Santos, Robson G. Santos, Angelica M. S. Sarmiento, Silmara Rossi, Fabiola E. Setim, Marco A. Gattamorta, Eliana R. Matushima, Luis F. S. P. Mayorga, Marcela M. Uhart
Summary: This study evaluated the epidemiology of FP tumors in green turtles along the coast of Espirito Santo, Brazil. The results showed that both individual and environmental factors play a significant role in driving FP epidemiology. Furthermore, FP may be composed of distinct anatomical patterns that are not necessarily driven by the same environmental factors.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hudson T. Pinheiro, Chancey Macdonald, Robson G. Santos, Ramadhoine Ali, Ayesha Bobat, Benjamin J. Cresswell, Ronaldo Francini-Filho, Rui Freitas, Gemma F. Galbraith, Peter Musembi, Tyler A. Phelps, Juan P. Quimbayo, T. E. Angela L. Quiros, Bart Shepherd, Paris V. Stefanoudis, Sheena Talma, Joao B. Teixeira, Lucy C. Woodall, Luiz A. Rocha
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ricardo J. Miranda, Taciana K. O. Pinto, Rosy V. R. Lopes, Janisson W. Santos, Claudio L. S. Sampaio, Robson G. Santos, Pedro H. C. Pereira, Andrei T. C. Cardoso, Ana C. M. Malhado, Richard J. Ladle
Summary: This study reports the impact of an oil spill on coral reefs in Brazil. The results show that while some reefs were contaminated with oil stains, the overall effects on coral vitality and benthic assemblage structure were minimal. Future studies should focus on specific aspects of coral biology and long-term monitoring to assess and mitigate chronic oil impacts.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)