Article
Environmental Sciences
Chengpu Jiang, Daniel Pauly, Wenqing Wang, Jianguo Du, Jianhua Cheng, Mao Wang
Summary: This study describes the trophic interactions, energy flows, and spatial distribution of species in the ecosystem of Dongzhaigang Bay in Hainan, China. It found that the ecosystem has high ecotrophic efficiency and a significant transfer of production to higher trophic levels. The Ecospace model allows for visualization of functional groups, which can aid in identifying areas for special protection.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maximillian P. T. G. Tercel, William O. C. Symondson, Jordan P. Cuff
Summary: Dietary analysis using DNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for understanding trophic interactions, but caution is needed when interpreting sequencing data, especially when studying omnivorous diets to avoid misleading results.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Bird, Stefani A. Crabtree, Jordahna Haig, Sean Ulm, Christopher M. Wurster
Summary: Research shows that the breadth of isotopic dietary diversity across modern nonsubsistence populations has decreased by two-thirds due to the rise of industrialized agriculture and global food distribution networks. In contrast, prior to industrial agriculture, humans exhibited a broad diet which has persisted in modern subsistence populations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caroline Graham, Evgeny A. Pakhomov, Brian P. V. Hunt
Summary: The study examined spatial patterns in diet, trophic niche width, and niche overlap of chum, pink, and sockeye salmon across the North Pacific. Different species showed variations in diet preference in different regions, with higher niche width and overlap in areas of high prey availability. Chum salmon demonstrated greater diet specialization compared to other species, especially in areas with abundant prey.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Ivan Batuecas, Oscar Alomar, Cristina Castane, Josep Pinol, Lorena Gallardo-Montoya, Nuria Agusti
Summary: The intensification of agriculture has impacted the biological control of insect pests. Metabarcoding analysis has been used to study the trophic interactions between species in an agricultural ecosystem in the Ebro Basin. High-throughput sequencing revealed the consumption of arthropods and plants by Orius spp., indicating their potential role in biological control strategies. The analysis also showed the presence of other natural enemies and intraguild predation. This study demonstrates the power of HTS in understanding trophic interactions in agroecosystems.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Xuehua Wang, Zhongmin Dai, Jiahui Lin, Haochun Zhao, Haodan Yu, Bin Ma, Lingfei Hu, Jiachun Shi, Xiaoyun Chen, Manqiang Liu, Xin Ke, Yijun Yu, Randy A. Dahlgren, Jianming Xu
Summary: The soil microbial food web is crucial for soil health, nutrient cycling, and agricultural productivity. However, the effects of heavy metal contamination on the trophic-level interactions within this food web in agricultural soils, which are globally contaminated, have not been well-studied. This study examined the interactions among predators, preys, and competitors under different metal contamination levels and found that metal contamination altered the growth of different prey groups, resulting in changes in the diversity and abundance of consumers and their interactions. Lab experiments confirmed these findings, indicating the collapse of trophic-level interactions due to heavy metal contamination.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Hui Li, Kongming Wu
Summary: The fall armyworm, a newly invasive pest, has natural enemies such as the syrphid Episyrphus balteatus that can be used for biological control. This study found that the larvae of E. balteatus can prey on the larvae of fall armyworm in petri dishes, but the larvae of fall armyworm can also prey on the larvae of E. balteatus. The findings of this study provide new insights into the relationship between the fall armyworm and its natural enemies.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dokyun Kim, Eun-Ji Won, Ha-Eun Cho, Jonghyun Lee, Kyung-Hoon Shin
Summary: Although many attempts have been made to improve the accuracy of trophic magnification factor (TMF) and biomagnification factor (BMF) for assessing pollutant bioaccumulation, this study suggests an improved BMF (BMF') for mercury bioaccumulation in freshwater fish. The results show that the values of BMF' are generally higher than TMF, indicating that it is a more reliable index for risk assessment. This ecological approach provides novel insights into the behavior and trophic transfer of pollutants like mercury.
Article
Soil Science
Jakob Kuehn, Liliane Ruess
Summary: The study investigated the impact of food resources with varying C/N ratio, lipid, and omega 3-PUFA content on the fitness of three Collembola species. The results showed species-specific responses in biomass and survival rate to different diets, with wide dietary C/N ratios and roots having a negative impact on Collembola. Mixing diets mostly resulted in intermediate results, with only mixes of resources favored by Collembola in the wild showing synergistic positive effects.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Monica Aggarwal, Emilio Ros, Kathleen Allen, Geeta Sikand, Anandita Agarwala, Karen Aspry, Penny Kris-Etherton, Stephen Devries, Koushik Reddy, Tamanna Singh, Sheldon E. Litwin, James O' Keefe, Michael Miller, Bruce Andrus, Ron Blankstein, Columbus Batiste, Danielle Belardo, Christopher Wenger, Travis Batts, Neal D. Barnard, Beth A. White, Dean Ornish, Kim A. Williams, Robert J. Ostfeld, Andrew M. Freeman
Summary: The discussion of optimal dietary patterns for prevention and management of cardiovascular disease is limited in cardiology clinic visits. This article explores the benefits and risks of various dietary patterns within the context of cardiovascular disease to provide clinicians with necessary evidence and information for the maximum benefit of their patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tyson R. Jones, Christopher J. Henderson, Andrew D. Olds, Rod M. Connolly, Thomas A. Schlacher, Brandon J. Hourigan, Lucy A. Goodridge Gaines, Ben L. Gilby
Summary: This study quantified the influence of landscape configuration and habitat traits on fish assemblage composition and predation rates in 30 saltmarshes around three estuaries in eastern Australia. Predation rates were positively correlated with yellowfin bream abundance, and predation peaked in saltmarshes with lower vegetation cover. The findings suggest that estuary mouths may serve as key transition zones for prey concentration and ecological effects of predators near the estuarine-sea interface.
ESTUARIES AND COASTS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Yasemin Guenay-Greunke, Harald Trager, David A. A. Bohan, Michael Traugott, Corinna Wallinger
Summary: Understanding trophic interactions in agroecosystems is crucial for reducing pesticide use. Carabid beetles have the potential to regulate insect pests, weed seeds, and slugs. This study investigated the food choices of different carabid species in a cereal field and found that plant DNA was more common in their gut contents than animal prey. Seasonality and species identity influenced carabid food choice, while increased availability of seeds and slugs did not. The study highlights the importance of a diverse carabid community for resilient pest control services.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agronomy
Zhaohong Wang, Laurence A. Mound, Mubasher Hussain, Steven P. Arthurs, Runqian Mao
Summary: This paper assesses the diversity and diet breadth of predatory thrips and suggests further research to enhance their utilization in pest management.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Matthieu Barbier, Laurie Wojcik, Michel Loreau
Summary: The study conducted a meta-analysis of predator-prey pairs of mammals, birds, and reptiles, revealing that predation rates are influenced by a power-law expression rather than the traditional mass action model. This suggests a new understanding of predation dynamics at ecological scales and highlights the importance of considering the consequences for large-scale ecological patterns.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaili Wang, Jiajun Li, Shannan Xu, Yuyan Gong, Youwei Xu, Yancong Cai, Yutao Yang, Kui Zhang, Zuozhi Chen
Summary: The feeding habit of large-head hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) in the northern South China Sea was studied using isotopic and stomach content analyses. Different isotopic features, trophic levels, and food habits were found among the hairtail in coastal waters and open sea. The depth of water influenced the hairtail's isotopic values, with three regions (coastal, near coastal, and open sea) identified. Stomach content analysis revealed that the hairtail in coastal and near coastal waters fed more on fish and less on crustaceans compared to those in the open sea.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Ricardo J. Lopes, Catarina J. Pinho, Barbara Santos, Mariana Seguro, Vanessa A. Mata, Bastian Egeter, Raquel Vasconcelos
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2019)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
L. J. Easton, P. J. Bishop, P. A. Whigham
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2020)
Article
Soil Science
Israel Ikoyi, Bastian Egeter, Catia Chaves, Mohammed Ahmed, Andrew Fowler, Achim Schmalenberger
BIOLOGY AND FERTILITY OF SOILS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filipa M. S. Martins, Miguel Porto, Maria J. Feio, Bastian Egeter, Aurelie Bonin, Sonia R. Q. Serra, Pierre Taberlet, Pedro Beja
Summary: DNA metabarcoding from ethanol-preserved macroinvertebrate samples is a convenient method for biodiversity assessment and biomonitoring of aquatic ecosystems. However, errors and biases need to be quantified before mainstreaming into monitoring programmes. COI marker showed best performance, but a multimarker approach is recommended for detecting a wider range of taxa in freshwater macroinvertebrate samples.
Article
Ecology
Joseph T. Altobelli, Sarah K. Lamar, Phillip J. Bishop
Summary: New Zealand has three species of endemic amphibians in the genus Leiopelma facing extinction due to threats from mammalian predators and habitat loss. Research on the Maud Island frog revealed unexpected arboreal habitat use, indicating a need to consider more complex, vertical habitats in conservation efforts.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Simon D. Lamb, Joseph T. Altobelli, Luke J. Easton, Stephanie S. Godfrey, Phillip J. Bishop
Summary: The study found that captive Hamilton's frogs tend to selectively share retreat sites with specific individuals rather than choosing randomly. Pair-wise associations were stable over short periods but decreased over time.
NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Andreas Elepfandt, Alexander Gutsche, Werner J. Fischer, Wera Leujak, Phillip J. Bishop
Summary: A study of Xenopus laevis behavior in a South African dam from 1992 to 1999 found that the number of individuals varied annually, with a balanced sex ratio. Subadults typically stayed for one season, while adults stayed longer. Some individuals reappeared after being absent for one or more years. Within a season, male activity was concentrated in series of nights. Higher population density did not result in more territorial or aggressive behavior, but in a higher number of inactive males. Territory holding males maintained their territory in subsequent years. Size did not affect mating success, but females only accepted males larger than 65 mm SVL. Maturation took years of gradual development before successful mating.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF HERPETOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bastian Egeter, Joana Verissimo, Manuel Lopes-Lima, Catia Chaves, Joana Pinto, Nicoletta Riccardi, Pedro Beja, Nuno A. Fonseca
Summary: This study provides a laboratory protocol and bioinformatic tools for detecting aquatic invasive species using nanopore sequencing technology, and compares it with Illumina-based sequencing. Testing was conducted at sampling sites in Italy and Portugal, showing a high degree of agreement between the two sequencing methods and faster sample processing time for nanopore sequencing.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Oliver Aylen, Philip J. Bishop, Rodzay bin Haji Abd Wahab, T. Ulmar Grafe
Summary: Bats are the second most diverse mammalian order globally, with over 1400 species. Monitoring bats is challenging due to their small size, ability to fly, cryptic behavior, and nocturnal activity. Recent research has shown that using acoustic bat lures can increase capture rates, but different species may respond differently to the lures.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Peixoto, Barbara Santos, Graca Lopes, Patricia Dias-Pereira, Isabel Lopes
Summary: Acid mine drainage (AMD) is highly toxic to aquatic stages of amphibians, particularly to embryos of the green frog. High concentrations of AMD increased mortality and malformation rates, and reduced body length and growth rate in both embryos and tadpoles. Histological observations revealed abnormalities in various tissues of AMD-exposed tadpoles. Therefore, implementing efficient remediation methodologies for AMD is crucial.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Ecology
Joseph T. Altobelli, Katharine J. M. Dickinson, Stephanie S. Godfrey, Phillip J. Bishop
Summary: The use of biotelemetry in amphibian research has increased over the past two decades. This study synthesizes methods and outcomes from published studies and discusses trends in study duration, transmitter weight, and attachment methods. It also highlights the need for improved practices and addresses gaps in current amphibian telemetry literature. Additionally, emerging technologies that could influence future research are discussed.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Joana Pauperio, Luis Martin Gonzalez, Jesus Martinez, Marcos Gonzalez, Filipa M. S. Martins, Joana Verissimo, Pamela Puppo, Joana Pinto, Catia Chaves, Catarina J. Pinho, Jose Manuel Grosso-Silva, Lorenzo Quaglietta, Teresa Luisa Silva, Pedro Sousa, Paulo Celio Alves, Nuno Fonseca, Pedro Beja, Sonia Ferreira
Summary: This study constructed a large reference collection of Trichoptera specimens from the Iberian Peninsula, with a success rate of over 80% when comparing morphological identifications and DNA barcodes. However, DNA barcoding was not successful in identifying species in six Trichoptera genera due to high levels of intraspecific genetic variability and challenging morphological identification.
BIODIVERSITY DATA JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pamela Puppo
Summary: A new subspecies of Calceolaria nivalis, C. nivalis subsp. lanatifolia, is described and depicted in this article. The new subspecies was collected in the Uchumarca district of La Libertad, Peru, at elevations ranging from 2300 to 3850 m. Calceolaria nivalis subsp. lanatifolia is distinguished by its hairy lower leaf surface, villous petioles, peduncles, and pedicels, and internally strigose sepal margins.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lea Deinert, Israel Ikoyi, Bastian Egeter, Patrick Forrestal, Achim Schmalenberger
Summary: Various nutrient recycling technologies are being developed to reduce the dependence on non-renewable raw materials for the production of phosphorus fertilizers in agriculture. This study investigated the effects of different phosphorus fertilizers on plant growth and soil microbiota, and found that recycling-derived fertilizers from agricultural waste can be a suitable alternative to traditional superphosphate fertilization.
Article
Plant Sciences
Pamela Puppo, Pedro Luis Perez De Paz, Manuel Curto, Harald Meimberg
Summary: A new species of Micromeria, Micromeria tenensis, is described for Tenerife, Canary Islands based on molecular and morphological evidence. This species is endemic to the Teno massif and can be found between 100-1000 m elevation. It is characterized by its pendulous branches, tomentose stems and leaves, hispid calyx, and densely white hispid calyx apices.