Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Montague H. C. Neate-Clegg, Morgan W. Tingley
Summary: This study used a large amount of bird banding data to investigate the changes in spring and fall migratory phenology for different sexes and age classes of bird species. The results showed that adult males arrived first in spring, while immature females arrived last, consistent with protandry. In the fall, there was little difference between sexes, but adults tended to depart earlier than juveniles. Additionally, the study found that male birds were advancing their phenology at a faster rate compared to females, causing the gap between male and female arrival times to widen over time.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
John Loehr, Janne Sundell, Mikko Immonen, Risto Vainola
Summary: Organisms colonizing new habitats can undergo adaptive change due to novel selective landscapes encountered in the new environment. The colonization of spring habitat by Pallaseopsis quadrispinosa has led to parallel evolution in armature traits. This was supported by empirical data, including morphology and mitochondrial DNA analysis, as well as a breeding experiment.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ornithology
Leeann D. Louis, Rauri C. K. Bowie, Robert Dudley
Summary: Migration behavior influences the microstructure of bones in migratory birds, with wing bones being thicker, wider, and stiffer, while leg bones are shorter, thinner, and less stiff in migrants compared to resident birds. Migratory birds also have lower tissue mineral density and less trabecular bone volume fraction, potentially to improve stiffness and fatigue resistance in wing bones and reduce mass in leg bones. This study highlights the importance of investigating bone microstructure to understand morphological adaptations in migratory birds.
Article
Orthopedics
Bartosz Jan Musielak, Anna Maria Kubicka, Lukasz Wozniak, Marek Jozwiak, Raymond W. Liu
Summary: This study found that cam morphology existed in historical populations at rates comparable with a contemporary population.
CLINICAL ORTHOPAEDICS AND RELATED RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Ana M. Casas, Carlota R. Gazulla, Arantxa Monteagudo, Carlos P. Cantalapiedra, Marian Moralejo, M. Pilar Gracia, Francisco J. Ciudad, William T. B. Thomas, Jose L. Molina-Cano, Scott Boden, Bruno Contreras-Moreira, Ernesto Igartua
Summary: This study investigated the genetic control of flowering time in a biparental population of spring barley, identifying five QTL and revealing the significant contribution of specific alleles in the parents towards early flowering. The results suggest diverse aspects of the flowering-time pathway that have been manipulated in the two cultivars, with epistatic interactions between flowering-time QTL or candidate genes observed both in field data and under controlled conditions.
Article
Biology
Jeremias N. Brand, Luke J. Harmon, Lukas Schaerer
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between sex allocation and reproductive behavior in hermaphroditic flatworms. The study finds that hypodermic insemination leads to a more female-biased sex allocation and is associated with selfing or biparental inbreeding. Additionally, a trade-off between male and female reproduction is observed, as well as a correlation between morphological indicators and sex allocation.
Article
Ecology
Jessica E. Deakin, Christopher G. Guglielmo, Yolanda E. Morbey
Summary: This study aimed to explore how the social environment influences the spring migration traits of male yellow-rumped warblers. The results showed that sex ratio did not affect body mass or molt progression, but males in the male-biased treatment exhibited significantly less locomotor movement. These findings suggest that the social environment can impact the behavior of songbirds, but do not support the hypothesis that a male-biased sex ratio accelerates migration.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Julia Ramirez, Antti Kiviniemi, Stefan van Duijvenboden, Andrew Tinker, Pier D. Lambiase, Juhani Junttila, Juha S. Perkiomaki, Heikki Huikuri, Michele Orini, Patricia B. Munroe
Summary: The TMV index can identify individuals at risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia and SCD using a single-beat single-lead ECG. This method provides cheap, rapid, and safe risk assessment for large populations.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Marielle L. van Toor, Sergey Kharitonov, Saulius Svazas, Mindaugas Dagys, Erik Kleyheeg, Gerard Muskens, Ulf Ottosson, Ramunas Zydelis, Jonas Waldenstrom
Summary: The study shows that Eurasian wigeons follow spring phenology more closely the further they migrate during spring migration. However, the use of tags may impact migration speed, with tagged individuals being on average slower than ring-marked individuals. Individual decisions during migration seem to be influenced not only by environmental cues, but also potential trade-offs made during later life-history stages.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Haruka Mizumura, Kohei Kubota, Hiroyoshi Higuchi
Summary: The migratory Brown Shrike has experienced a sharp decline in its breeding range, possibly due to female mortality in wintering sites or during migration. In contrast, the resident Bull-headed Shrike has gradually declined but remains a common resident in Japan.
BIRD CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Mahmoud A. Elattar, Benjamin Karikari, Shuguang Li, Shiyu Song, Yongce Cao, Muhammed Aslam, Aiman Hina, Salah Fatouh Abou-Elwafa, Tuanjie Zhao
Summary: This study aimed to understand the genetic mechanisms related to seed size, shape, and weight in soybean through high-density genetic mapping and identification of QTLs and candidate genes. A total of 239 and 43 M-QTLs were mapped, including 180 and 18 novel QTLs, and 22 QTLs, including four major QTLs, were validated across multiple environments. Additionally, 34 QTLs associated with seed flatness index were identified, and seven QTL clusters on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 17, and 19 were found. Gene annotations and RNA-seq analyses identified 47 candidate genes highly expressed in seed-related tissues, potentially regulating seed size, weight, and shape traits in soybean.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jillian M. Josimovich, Bryan G. Falk, Alejandro Grajal-Puche, Emma B. Hanslowe, Ian A. Bartoszek, Robert N. Reed, Andrea F. Currylow
Summary: This study investigated the factors affecting the growth of Burmese pythons and found that the variation in clutch had a significant impact on the phenotypic variation of the hatchlings, surpassing the effects of food availability and sex. The results of the study can aid in population management and understanding the influence of different clutches on the growth of hatchlings.
Article
Ecology
Winer Daniel Reyes-Corral, Sofia Carvajal-Endara, Molly Hetherington-Rauth, Jaime A. Chaves, Peter R. Grant, B. Rosemary Grant, Andrew P. Hendry, Marc T. J. Johnson
Summary: By studying the phenotypic divergence of the plant Tribulus cistoides in island and continental environments, it was found that the characteristics of island environments can influence the evolution of intraspecific traits. Results showed that Tribulus cistoides exhibits phenotypic divergence in antagonistic and mutualistic traits between island and continental habitats. This study demonstrates the potential of using a combination of herbarium and field samples for comparative studies on globally distributed species to study phenotypic divergence in island habitats.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
George P. Naughton, Matthew L. Keefer, Tami S. Clabough, Matthew J. Knoff, Timothy J. Blubaugh, Mark R. Morasch, Cameron S. Sharpe, Christopher C. Caudill
Summary: Impassable dams on major tributaries to the Willamette River have hindered access to historical spawning habitat for adult Chinook Salmon. To overcome this, fish are collected and transported upstream of dams, but high prespawn mortality rates have hindered conservation efforts. This study evaluates environmental factors and individual fish traits associated with prespawn mortality in transported Chinook Salmon populations.
NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ruijuan Xu, Hong Tang, Lin Chen, Weihong Ge, Jin Yang
Summary: The study successfully utilized a PBPK model to predict the pharmacokinetic profiles of apixaban under different conditions, and found that exposure to apixaban varies with interacting drugs or renal impairment. The results suggest that different populations may require different dosages when using apixaban.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Ivan Paz-Vinas, Evelyn L. Jensen, Laura D. Bertola, Martin F. Breed, Brian K. Hand, Margaret E. Hunter, Francine Kershaw, Deborah M. Leigh, Gordon Luikart, Joachim Mergeay, Joshua M. Miller, Charles B. Van Rees, Gernot Segelbacher, Sean Hoban
Summary: The study by Millette et al. did not find consistent anthropogenic effects on animal genetic diversity worldwide. However, reexamination of the data revealed limitations related to genetic markers and scale which may lead to misinterpretations with conservation implications. Suggestions were provided for improving future macrogenetic studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xu Shi, Baptiste Schmid, Philippe Tschanz, Gernot Segelbacher, Felix Liechti
Summary: This study found that birds and insects exhibit clear seasonal migration and local movements in the airspace, with birds primarily showing seasonal directional movements in spring and autumn, while insects mainly engage in non-directional movements in spring and summer. The research also revealed that nocturnal insect movements occur later than those of birds, mainly happening in autumn.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sean Hoban, Catriona D. Campbell, Jessica M. da Silva, Robert Ekblom, W. Chris Funk, Brittany A. Garner, Jose A. Godoy, Francine Kershaw, Anna J. MacDonald, Joachim Mergeay, Melissa Minter, David O'Brien, Ivan Paz Vinas, Sarah K. Pearson, Silvia Perez-Espona, Kevin M. Potter, Isa-Rita M. Russo, Gernot Segelbacher, Cristiano Vernesi, Margaret E. Hunter
Summary: International agreements like the CBD are crucial for global conservation efforts, but often overlook genetic diversity, which is essential for adaptation to environmental changes. While most Parties to the CBD recognize the importance of genetic diversity, their actions mainly focus on variation within crops and livestock rather than monitoring and in situ conservation. Recommendations for future frameworks include improving awareness, assessment, and monitoring of genetic diversity for more consistent and comprehensive reporting.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Sean Hoban, Michael W. Bruford, W. Chris Funk, Peter Galbusera, M. Patrick Griffith, Catherine E. Grueber, Myriam Heuertz, Margaret E. Hunter, Christina Hvilsom, Belma Kalamujic Stroil, Francine Kershaw, Colin K. Khoury, Linda Laikre, Margarida Lopes-Fernandes, Anna J. MacDonald, Joachim Mergeay, Mariah Meek, Cinnamon Mittan, Tarek A. Mukassabi, David O'Brien, Rob Ogden, Clarisse Palma-Silva, Uma Ramakrishnan, Gernot Segelbacher, Robyn E. Shaw, Per Sjogren-Gulve, Nevena Velickovic, Cristiano Vernesi
Summary: Global conservation policies have historically overlooked the importance of protecting and monitoring genetic diversity, which is crucial for species adaptation, ecosystem resilience, and societal innovation. Recent advancements in knowledge, technology, and capacity now offer the possibility for integrating genetic diversity more effectively into policy instruments and conservation efforts, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation.
Correction
Biodiversity Conservation
Linda Laikre, Paul A. Hohenlohe, Fred W. Allendorf, Laura D. Bertola, Martin F. Breed, Michael W. Bruford, W. Chris Funk, Gonzalo Gajardo, Antonio Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Catherine E. Grueber, Philip W. Hedrick, Myriam Heuertz, Margaret E. Hunter, Kerstin Johannesson, Libby Liggins, Anna J. MacDonald, Joachim Mergeay, Farideh Moharrek, David O'Brien, Rob Ogden, Pablo Orozco-terWengel, Clarisse Palma-Silva, Jennifer Pierson, Ivan Paz-Vinas, Isa-Rita M. Russo, Nils Ryman, Gernot Segelbacher, Per Sjogren-Gulve, Lisette P. Waits, Cristiano Vernesi, Sean Hoban
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Deborah M. Leigh, Charles B. van Rees, Katie L. Millette, Martin F. Breed, Chloe Schmidt, Laura D. Bertola, Brian K. Hand, Margaret E. Hunter, Evelyn L. Jensen, Francine Kershaw, Libby Liggins, Gordon Luikart, Stephanie Manel, Joachim Mergeay, Joshua M. Miller, Gernot Segelbacher, Sean Hoban, Ivan Paz-Vinas
Summary: Macrogenetics, a rapidly emerging field, focuses on analyzing publicly accessible genetic datasets from thousands of species to explore large-scale patterns and predictors of intraspecific genetic variation. Despite its promising outlook, important limitations exist that need to be addressed for macrogenetics to reach its full potential.
NATURE REVIEWS GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Biodiversity Conservation
Gernot Segelbacher, Mirte Bosse, Pamela Burger, Peter Galbusera, Jose A. Godoy, Philippe Helsen, Christina Hvilsom, Laura Iacolina, Adla Kahric, Chiara Manfrin, Marina Nonic, Delphine Thizy, Ivaylo Tsvetkov, Nevena Velickovic, Carles Vila, Samantha M. Wisely, Elena Buzan
Summary: Recent technological advances in genomics have provided new tools for conservation managers and practitioners, but choosing the right tools remains a crucial challenge. Inspirational case studies show how new technologies can help address conservation challenges, while also highlighting the need to consider the feasibility of different techniques.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amber Hartman Scholz, Jens Freitag, Christopher H. C. Lyal, Rodrigo Sara, Martha Lucia Cepeda, Ibon Cancio, Scarlett Sett, Andrew Lee Hufton, Yemisrach Abebaw, Kailash Bansal, Halima Benbouza, Hamadi Iddi Boga, Sylvain Brisse, Michael W. Bruford, Hayley Clissold, Guy Cochrane, Jonathan A. Coddington, Anne-Caroline Deletoille, Felipe Garcia-Cardona, Michelle Hamer, Raquel Hurtado-Ortiz, Douglas W. Miano, David Nicholson, Guilherme Oliveira, Carlos Ospina Bravo, Fabian Rohden, Ole Seberg, Gernot Segelbacher, Yogesh Shouche, Alejandra Sierra, Ilene Karsch-Mizrachi, Jessica da Silva, Desiree M. Hautea, Manuela da Silva, Mutsuaki Suzuki, Kassahun Tesfaye, Christian Keambou Tiambo, Krystal A. Tolley, Rajeev Varshney, Maria Mercedes Zambrano, Joerg Overmann
Summary: Open access to sequence data is crucial for biology and biodiversity research, but it has caused tension under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Finding a practical solution to ensure international benefit-sharing without jeopardising open sharing is a major challenge for the CBD and other UN negotiations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David O'Brien, Linda Laikre, Sean Hoban, Michael W. Bruford, Robert Ekblom, Martin C. Fischer, Jeanette Hall, Christina Hvilsom, Peter M. Hollingsworth, Francine Kershaw, Cinnamon S. Mittan, Tarek A. Mukassabi, Rob Ogden, Gernot Segelbacher, Robyn E. Shaw, Cristiano Vernesi, Anna J. MacDonald
Summary: Genetic diversity, an important component of biodiversity, is often under-reported and narrowly focused on domesticated or commercial species. Various approaches have been developed to address this issue, but the multiplicity of methods can cause confusion. We propose a unified reporting mechanism to evaluate genetic diversity.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Evolutionary Biology
Gernot Segelbacher
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Laura-Sophia Ruppert, Gernot Segelbacher, Michael Staab, Nathalie Winiger
Summary: Genetic methods for species identification are popular in insect monitoring, but obtaining high-quality DNA from insect traps in field studies is challenging. In this study, the researchers tested the effects of different preservatives on DNA quality under different conditions using house crickets. They found that propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are suitable preservatives for both genetic and morphological material, but dilution or high temperatures compromise their ability to preserve high molecular weight DNA. For genomic approaches requiring high DNA quality, additional preservatives may need to be tested.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2023)
Biographical-Item
Ecology
Sean Hoban, Gernot Segelbacher, Cristiano Vernesi, Isa-Rita M. Russo
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Laura-Sophia Ruppert, Michael Staab, Sara Klingenfuss, Nolan J. Rappa, Julian Frey, Gernot Segelbacher
Summary: The decomposition of leaf litter is crucial to energy and nutrient cycling in forests, with arthropods playing a key role. Retention forestry, which preserves tree structural elements, aims to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem functioning. However, the impact of retention forestry on leaf litter arthropod communities is still unclear. This study used environmental DNA sampling to analyze leaf litter arthropods in the Black Forest, finding that the richness of species was not related to forest structure but showed a tendency to increase with recent harvest intensity.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Nathalie Winiger, Anna-Lena Hendel, Selina Ganz, Katarzyna Zielewska-Buettner, Gernot Segelbacher, Veronika Braunisch
Summary: The response of saproxylic beetle species to forest habitat selection is scale-dependent. Mobile species respond to habitat variables at smaller scales compared to flightless species. Forest structure variables explain the most habitat selection, followed by variables describing forest type, topography, and climate.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Francine Kershaw, Michael W. Bruford, W. Chris Funk, Catherine E. Grueber, Sean Hoban, Margaret E. Hunter, Linda Laikre, Anna J. MacDonald, Mariah H. Meek, Cinnamon Mittan, David O'Brien, Rob Ogden, Robyn E. Shaw, Cristiano Vernesi, Gernot Segelbacher
Summary: The article introduces the Coalition for Conservation Genetics (CCG) and its achievements, highlighting the barriers to conserving genetic diversity and emphasizing the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and coordination.
CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2022)
