Article
Ecology
Daniel Oro, Juan Becares, Frederic Bartumeus, Jose Manuel Arcos
Summary: The study on prospecting behavior of Audouin's gulls reveals that failed breeders tend to engage in more frequent and intense prospecting and dispersal, with prospecting and dispersal primarily occurring in neighboring patches with higher population density. Breeding individuals also prospect while actively incubating, indicating information gathering before knowing reproductive outcome. Surprisingly, none of the tracked individuals colonized empty patches despite years of prospecting, possibly due to lack of public information in these patches.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea Gloria-Soria, Talya Shragai, Alexander Ciota, Todd B. Duval, Barry W. Alto, Ademir J. Martins, Kathleen M. Westby, Kim A. Medley, Isik Unlu, Scott R. Campbell, Malgorzata Kawalkowski, Yoshio Tsuda, Yukiko Higa, Nicholas Indelicato, Paul T. Leisnham, Adalgisa Caccone, Philip M. Armstrong
Summary: The research found that the Asian tiger mosquito populations along the East Coast of the USA exhibit high levels of genetic diversity and connectivity, suggesting that they have successfully overwintered and migrated in large numbers in states like New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The populations in Connecticut showed consistent genetic structure over three consecutive years.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William B. Hemstrom, Micah G. Freedman, Myron P. Zalucki, Santiago R. Ramirez, Michael R. Miller
Summary: Range expansions have significant effects on the distribution of genetic variation in space. This study focuses on the expansion of monarch butterflies across the Pacific and the genetic consequences of migration loss. The results show stepwise dispersal across the Pacific and a recent expansion from Hawaii to the Mariana Islands. Nonmigratory monarchs in the Mariana Islands exhibit strong patterns of differentiation, while migratory North American samples form a panmictic population. The study highlights the role of migration in shaping spatial genetic variation.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Linda Haltiner, Piet Spaak, Stuart R. Dennis, Philine G. D. Feulner
Summary: Human activities have facilitated the invasion of various organisms in freshwater ecosystems. In particular, invasive bivalves like quagga mussels have the potential to disrupt the food web and alter ecosystem function. These mussels are highly abundant, have a rapid spread through pelagic larvae, and colonize different substrates. They have invaded multiple waterbodies across the Northern Hemisphere, including large lakes in Central Europe. Genetic analysis of quagga mussel populations revealed significant differentiation among populations in different lakes, but no differentiation within Lake Constance. This suggests that the presence of shallow-water and deep-water morphotypes is a result of phenotypic plasticity rather than local adaptation.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thais R. R. Pfeilsticker, Rebecca C. C. Jones, Dorothy A. A. Steane, Rene E. Vaillancourt, Brad M. M. Potts
Summary: In plants with limited seed dispersal, hybridisation can enhance gene exchange and species dispersal. Genetic evidence shows that hybridisation contributes to the expansion of Eucalyptus risdonii into the range of Eucalyptus amygdalina. Isolated hybrids match the expected genotypes, and there is a continuum of genetic composition among hybrid patches, suggesting backcrossing. The resurrection of Eucalyptus risdonii phenotype in isolated hybrid patches is likely due to long-distance pollen dispersal, leading to the invasion of suitable habitat and the displacement of Eucalyptus amygdalina.
Article
Plant Sciences
Felix Vaux, Dave Craw, Ceridwen Fraser, Jonathan M. Waters
Summary: Understanding how major disturbance events such as earthquakes can impact local populations and create opportunities for range expansions of other species is crucial in a rapidly changing world. By analyzing genomic data, researchers discovered a biogeographic disjunction in the distribution of a macroalgal species in New Zealand, with evidence suggesting a northward range expansion event following tectonic upheaval. The study highlights the importance of fine-scale genomic analyses in revealing long-lasting effects of past disturbances, dispersal, and colonization in ecological systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Felix Vaux, Dave Craw, Ceridwen I. Fraser, Jonathan M. Waters
Summary: This study demonstrates a range extension event for an intertidal macroalgal species in central New Zealand using genomic data. Unexpectedly, samples of D. poha were found in the North Island, indicating a biogeographic disjunction possibly caused by tectonic upheaval. The close phylogenomic relationships between the new North Island population and South Island samples suggest a recent northward expansion, highlighting the potential of large-scale disturbances to facilitate sudden biogeographic range expansions.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thais A. Bernos, Casey Day, Jaclyn Hill, Olivier Morissette, Kenneth M. Jeffries, Nicholas E. Mandrak
Summary: Predicting the expansion and genetic diversity of populations introduced to new regions or tracking environmental conditions is a significant challenge. This study used simulations to examine the relationships between dispersal, expansion rates, and genetic diversity for an invasive fish species in eastern North America. Results showed that populations with greater dispersal distances expanded faster but exhibited more variability in expansion rates among local populations. However, they tended to retain genetic diversity during expansion. On the other hand, populations with smaller dispersal distances spread predictably but showed more variability in genetic diversity losses. These findings have conservation implications, as populations with shorter dispersal distances spreading in narrower landscapes are less predictable in their evolutionary trajectories.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kara J. Andres, David M. Lodge, Jose Andres
Summary: Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling is a powerful and efficient approach for collecting information about species, and it may also provide information about population-level genetic variability. In this study, the researchers used eDNA sampling to estimate the genetic diversity and structure of an invasive fish species in the Great Lakes region. The study found that the genetic patterns observed from eDNA analysis were consistent with conventional tissue-based estimates. This research highlights the potential for eDNA sampling to reveal detailed population characteristics that can inform monitoring and management plans for difficult-to-sample species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zheng Zhang, Guangyue Wen, Dexiao Bu, Guojun Sun, Sheng Qiang
Summary: Canada goldenrod is an invasive plant species that spreads rapidly through wind dispersal, traveling longer distances and in greater amounts in the downwind direction. The temperature and wind speed positively affect the dispersal amount, while relative humidity negatively affects it.
Article
Biology
Brock T. Burgess, Robyn L. Irvine, Michael A. Russello
Summary: The invasive Sitka black-tailed deer have significant impacts on the ecology and culture of the Haida Gwaii archipelago in Canada. Gene flow is widespread among the islands, except for SGang Gwaay, which could be a viable option for eradication efforts.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Matthew A. Campbell, Matthew C. Hale, Chase S. Jalbert, Kristine Dunker, Adam J. Sepulveda, J. Andres Lopez, Jeffrey A. Falke, Peter A. H. Westley
Summary: Invasive species pose a major threat to biodiversity, but they also provide opportunities for ecological and evolutionary research. This study analyzed the genetic variation of native and invasive populations of northern pike and found low levels of genetic diversity, indicating bottleneck effects. The results suggest that invasive pike likely came from multiple introductions from different native populations in Alaska, and genetic admixture may have mitigated the negative effects of genetic bottlenecks. Additionally, the study identified a small isolated population of pike in Southeast Alaska that is native in origin. Although lack of genetic variation may limit colonization success, this genetically depauperate apex predator does not seem to be affected.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Monica A. Mowery, Yael Lubin, Michal Segoli
Summary: This study examined the dispersal behavior of brown widow spiderlings under field conditions and found differences in dispersal between day and night, as well as variations in dispersal behavior related to environmental and genetic factors. Ballooning and rappelling may be important mechanisms for the range expansion of brown widow spiders.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jaime Ashander, Kailin Kroetzt, Rebecca Epanchin-Niell, Nicholas B. D. Phelps, Robert G. Haight, Laura E. Dee
Summary: Using network metrics to guide management can effectively address the challenges of biological invasions. The study evaluates the performance of network-guided invasive species management compared to optimal management and finds that the network-guided approach achieves high performance, even with incomplete information. This research highlights the potential of network approaches for sustainable resource management.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Avery P. Hill, Christopher B. Field
Summary: This study analyzes forest inventory data from the western US to test the hypothesis that wildfires can facilitate climate-induced range shifts in trees. Wildfires significantly increased the seedling range displacement for some tree species, indicating an important role of fire in influencing vegetation redistribution in response to climate change.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alisa P. Ramakrishnan, David M. Rosenthal, Trieste Musial, Mitchell B. Cruzan
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2008)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sharoda Dasgupta, Virginia B. Bowen, Andrew Leidner, Kelly Fletcher, Trieste Musial, Charles Rose, Amy Cha, Gloria Kang, Emilio Dirlikov, Eric Pevzner, Dale Rose, Matthew D. Ritchey, Julie Villanueva, Celeste Philip, Leandris Liburd, Alexandra M. Oster
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sharoda Dasgupta, Ahmed M. Kassem, Gregory Sunshine, Tiebin Liu, Charles Rose, Gloria J. Kang, Rachel Silver, Brandy L. Peterson Maddox, Christina Watson, Mara Howard-Williams, Maxim Gakh, Russell McCord, Regen Weber, Kelly Fletcher, Trieste Musial, Michael A. Tynan, Rachel Hulkower, Amanda Moreland, Dawn Pepin, Lisa Landsman, Amanda Brown, Siobhan Gilchrist, Catherine Clodfelter, Michael Williams, Ryan Cramer, Alexa Limeres, Adebola Popoola, Sebnem Dugmeoglu, Julia Shelburne, Gi Jeong, Carol Y. Rao
Summary: Counties in states with shorter duration of closure before summer were more likely to have rapidly increasing COVID-19 incidence, especially in nonmetropolitan areas. Implementation of statewide mask mandates at reopening was associated with a lower probability of becoming a rapid riser county, with stronger effects in nonmetropolitan areas.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Michelle M. Hughes, Alice Wang, Marissa K. Grossman, Eugene Pun, Ari Whiteman, Li Deng, Elaine Hallisey, J. Danielle Shape, Emily N. Ussery, Shannon Stokley, Trieste Musial, Daniel L. Weller, Bhavini Patel Murthy, Laura Reynolds, Lynn Gibbs-Scharf, LaTreace Harris, Matt D. Ritchey, Robin L. Toblin
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andrew J. Leidner, Vaughn Barry, Virginia B. Bowen, Rachel Silver, Trieste Musial, Gloria J. Kang, Matthew D. Ritchey, Kelly Fletcher, Lisa Barrios, Eric Pevzner
MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT
(2021)