Article
Plant Sciences
Jian Liu, Anders J. Lindstrom, Yong-Sheng Chen, Ran Nathan, Xun Gong
Summary: Ocean currents play a significant role in the long-distance dispersal, spatial distribution, and phylogeographic patterns of organisms. Studying Cycas plants with buoyant seeds reveals that these species' distribution and phylogeography are shaped by ocean circulation. The ocean modeling results show that seed dispersal of Cycas species is influenced by ocean currents.
Article
Zoology
Adrian Villastrigo, David T. Bilton, Pedro Abellan, Andres Millan, Ignacio Ribera, Josefa Velasco
Summary: In this study, the genetic diversity and phylogeography of supralittoral rockpool Ochthebius beetles in the eastern Atlantic and western Mediterranean were explored. The results showed the existence of morphologically cryptic lineages within all recognized taxa, and their distribution was linked to both historical and contemporary marine hydrogeography. Ocean currents and winds were found to be the main drivers of the spatial patterns observed.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jon Fjeldsa, Rauri C. K. Bowie
Summary: Africa's montane areas are fragmented into forest-capped sky islands in a sea of dry lowland savannas, making it challenging to define a unified Afromontane forest avifauna. Genetic flow between populations in southern areas suggests a more continuous past distribution, potentially driven by seasonal migrations.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qindong Tang, Reto Burri, Yang Liu, Alexander Suh, Gombobaatar Sundev, Gerald Heckel, Manuel Schweizer
Summary: Through genetic analysis, this study identified three deeply differentiated lineages of the pale sand martin species in Central and East Asia. The research highlighted differences in gene flow and migration behavior between lowland and high-altitude populations, suggesting that allochrony and optimal migration routes play a role in maintaining evolutionary diversity and preventing hybridization.
Article
Ecology
Matthew A. Kaproth, Maarten B. Eppinga, Jane Molofsky
Summary: Seed dispersal is crucial for plant populations to survive and spread, but stress can affect plant architecture and fecundity, compromising dispersal. Trait variation within species in response to the environment is not well understood, especially regarding the trade-offs between dispersal and competitive ability.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Michael J. Jowers, Sites N. Othman, Amael Borzee, Gilson A. Rivas, Santiago Sanchez-Ramirez, Renoir J. Auguste, J. Roger Downie, Morley Read, John C. Murphy
Summary: The study reveals that two sister clades of the genus Elachistocleis originated in the Andes, diverging in the mid-Miocene, potentially dispersing to Trinidad through the dried-out river systems in South America, and spreading from Venezuela and Guyana to the island facilitated by a lowering sea-level.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Do Van Tu, Cao Thi Kim Thu, Thomas Von Rintelen
Summary: A new stygobitic species of atyid freshwater shrimps named Caridina thachlam sp. nov. is described from Cuc Phuong National Park in Northern Vietnam, distinguished by morphological characters and supported by molecular phylogenetic data from COI and 16S genes.
Article
Virology
Changning Wang, Chaoyun Chen, Yiqun Chen, Ke Zhong, Long Yi
Summary: This study has revealed that CTV in China originated from wild citrus in Hunan and Jiangxi. The spatial-temporal distribution and dispersal patterns of CTV have provided insights into the population and pandemic history of CTV, contributing to a better understanding of its spread and origin in China.
Article
Plant Sciences
Xiaokang Dai, Xiang Li, Xiaoyu Song, Xiaoyan Li, Xing Liu
Summary: The study revealed that Hippuris vulgaris originated from hybridization between two unknown ancestral parents, resulting in two distinct lineages. It is likely that the populations from North China and the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau were the original centers for these lineages.
PLANT SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Gongpei Wang, Han Lai, Sheng Bi, Dingli Guo, Xiaopin Zhao, Xiaoli Chen, Shuang Liu, Xuange Liu, Yuqin Su, Huadong Yi, Guifeng Li
Summary: This study investigated the genetic and phenotypic divergence of Hyporhamphus intermedius in different aquatic habitats and found significant population genetic differentiation and phenotypic variation. The study also explored the genotype-phenotype-environment associations and identified candidate loci. The results indicate that geography and hydrological factors play important roles in the diversification of this species.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Do Van Tu, Dang Van Dong, Thomas Von Rintelen
Summary: A new species of atyid freshwater shrimp, Caridina namdat sp. nov., was discovered in two caves in Bac Kan Province, Northeast Vietnam. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by a suite of morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic data support its distinctiveness from other examined species.
Article
Ecology
Diwen Liang, George B. McManus, Qing Wang, Xian Sun, Zhiwei Liu, Senjie Lin, Yufeng Yang
Summary: This study investigated the genetic differentiation and phylogeographical patterns of rotifer species in Southeastern China and eastern North America. The results showed that genetic differentiation was influenced by spatial distance and environmental factors, with limited gene flow between continents. Oceanographic barriers were found to affect the distribution and maintain genetic diversity of rotifers in continental waters.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biology
R. N. Burukovsky
Summary: During the evolution of shrimp, key aspects of their organization have remained unchanged, leading to a large number of parallelisms within this group of arthropods. Ancient shrimp fauna may have originated in shallow waters, later expanding to the continental slope and pelagic zone due to adaptive radiation. This movement was associated with limited food resources on the slope, leading to a shift in diet among species.
Article
Plant Sciences
Carmen Benitez-Benitez, Ana Otero, Kerry A. Ford, Pablo Garcia-Moro, Sabina Donadio, Modesto Luceno, Santiago Martin-Bravo, Pedro Jimenez-Mejias
Summary: Carex subgenus Psyllophorae is a fascinating study group with early diversification and disjunct distribution, showing the role of historical geo-climatic events in evolutionary history, particularly in South America. Divergence away from primary Gondwanan vicariance hypotheses and long-distance dispersal-mediated allopatric diversification are key aspects of the group's evolution. The trans-Pacific colonization event and niche conservatism in section Junciformes are also noteworthy findings.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Monique de Jager, Merel Soons
Summary: Under habitat fragmentation, the survival of plant species depends on their ability to disperse between habitat patches. This study shows that a small increase in distance between patches can lead to a sudden shift in seed dispersal strategy from long distances to short distances. Furthermore, it is found that restoring long-distance dispersal requires a substantial increase in habitat connectivity due to an evolutionary hysteresis effect.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathew Seymour, Francois K. Edwards, Bernard J. Cosby, Martyn G. Kelly, Mark de Bruyn, Gary R. Carvalho, Simon Creer
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Natacha Nikolic, Paul Thompson, Mark de Bruyn, Matthias Mace, Claude Chevalet
Article
Zoology
Pipit Pitriana, Diana S. Jones, Laure Corbari, Kristina von Rintelen
ZOOSYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Zoology
Werner Klotz, Thomas von Rintelen, Daisy Wowor, Chris Lukhaup, Kristina von Rintelen
Summary: Lake Poso's Caridina shrimp genus contains 11 endemic species, with 5 newly described species contributing to the diversity. An integrative approach including morphology, ecology, and molecular data was used. Molecular phylogeny indicates a well-supported monophyletic group, with potential explanations such as hybridisation, incomplete lineage sorting, or undefined species boundaries.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Muneeb M. Musthafa, Fauziah Abdullah, Ana Paola Martinez-Falcon, Mark de Bruyn
Summary: This study assessed the spatial distribution and elevational diversity of beetles in mountain ecosystems in Malaysia. A total of 9628 beetles belonging to 879 different species were collected, with the highest diversity in Chamah Highland. The study identified characteristic species associated with habitat conditions and provided guidelines for conservation efforts in Malaysia based on the alpha and beta diversity patterns observed in the sampled mountains.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Holly V. Nelson, Greta J. Frankham, Viyanna Leo, Jennifer R. Anson, Mark D. B. Eldridge, Mark de Bruyn
Summary: The study reveals that the long-nosed bandicoot population in northern Sydney exhibits significant genetic divergence, with three distinct populations corresponding to different geographic locations. The North Head population shows significant genetic differentiation from other populations in northern Sydney and maintains relatively stable levels of genetic diversity over time.
CONSERVATION GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Luke E. Holman, Mark de Bruyn, Simon Creer, Gary Carvalho, Julie Robidart, Marc Rius
Summary: This study utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to explore the biodiversity of marine organisms and found remarkably consistent biogeographic structure across different kingdoms of life. The main drivers of these patterns were environmental conditions and to a lesser extent, anthropogenic stressors. Additionally, animals displayed biogeographic patterns suggesting regional biotic homogenization.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biology
Mathew Seymour, Francois K. Edwards, Bernard J. Cosby, Iliana Bista, Peter M. Scarlett, Francesca L. Brailsford, Helen C. Glanville, Mark de Bruyn, Gary R. Carvalho, Simon Creer
Summary: The study compared eDNA and traditional sampling methods to assess biodiversity, finding that eDNA has higher temporal and spatial resolution. Seasonality has a significant impact on community richness, with regional resource availability driving community formation.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lincoln F. Macgregor, Matthew Greenlees, Mark de Bruyn, Richard Shine
Summary: Geographical variation in abiotic and biotic conditions can significantly affect the rate of invasive species expansion. The colonization of cane toads in Australia has been extensively researched, with a focus on tropical regions rather than cooler climates. The spread of toads in New South Wales has been slower in cooler regions, with the expansion of their range mainly influenced by dry, warm weather conditions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mark de Bruyn, Matteo Barbato, Joseph D. DiBattista, Matt K. Broadhurst
Summary: The study investigated the feeding ecologies of the common blacktip shark and the great hammerhead off eastern Australia, revealing their main prey as stingrays and teleost fish, with a challenge in distinguishing primary and secondary predation due to extensive mixing in predator and prey taxa through stomach chyme.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Luke E. Holman, Shirley Parker-Nance, Mark de Bruyn, Simon Creer, Gary Carvalho, Marc Rius
Summary: The combined methodological approach effectively detected spatial and temporal variation in genetic composition and range size of non-native species, which is crucial for their management and conservation.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samuel C. Bernardes, Kristina von Rintelen, Thomas von Rintelen, Almir R. Pepato, Timothy J. Page, Mark de Bruyn
Summary: The study revisited trends in species exchange in the Indian Ocean, indicating that ecological transformations have presented opportunities for migrants to establish themselves, with roles of donating and receiving migrants shifting multiple times.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Michelle Chua, Simon Y. W. Ho, Clive R. McMahon, Ian D. Jonsen, Mark de Bruyn
Summary: This study combined genetic and animal tracking data to investigate the mitochondrial haplotype diversity, natal source populations, and movement behaviors of southern elephant seals at Davis Base. The majority of seals originated from breeding populations in the South Atlantic Ocean and South Indian Ocean, while the Macquarie Island population is declining.
Article
Geography, Physical
Brenda L. Hall, Paul L. Koch, Carlo Baroni, Maria Cristina Salvatore, A. Rus Hoelzel, Mark de Bruyn, Andreanna J. Welch
Summary: Prediction of future ice-sheet behavior in Antarctica and its contribution to sea-level rise relies on understanding how the ice sheet responds to a warm climate. Past warm episodes provide insight into the ice sheet's tolerance to climate change. This study presents a record of past ocean temperature and sea-ice change derived from southern elephant seal occupation sites.
QUATERNARY SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emily Humble, Jane Hosegood, Gary Carvalho, Mark de Bruyn, Simon Creer, Guy M. W. Stevens, Amelia Armstrong, Ramon Bonfil, Mark Deakos, Daniel Fernando, Niv Froman, Lauren R. Peel, Stephen Pollett, Alessandro Ponzo, Joshua D. Stewart, Sabine Wintner, Rob Ogden
Summary: Understanding population connectivity and genetic diversity is crucial for conservation, but it remains challenging for globally threatened marine megafauna. This study uses a comparative framework to investigate the genetic differentiation and diversity of manta rays, revealing higher connectivity and heterozygosity in oceanic manta rays. The findings also emphasize the potential impact of fisheries on population dynamics.