Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Casper J. van der Kooi, Mario Vallejo-Marin, Sara D. Leonhardt
Summary: The relationship between plants and animal pollinators is often asymmetric, depending on the perspective taken, and there is variation in (a)symmetry within and between species as well as geographic locations. By considering different viewpoints from the plant and pollinator sides, new insights are provided for studies on the maintenance and evolution of animal pollination and on the (a)symmetry in plant-pollinator interactions.
Review
Ecology
Austin R. Cruz, Goggy Davidowitz, Christopher M. Moore, Judith L. Bronstein
Summary: Predicting the impacts of global warming on mutualisms is a significant challenge, but crucial because all species depend on each other for survival and reproduction. The field of thermal ecology provides insights and tools to address this challenge.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joachim T. Haug, Viktor Baranov, Patrick Mueller, Carolin Haug
Summary: Larvae of Holometabola group exhibit significant morphological differences from their corresponding adults, with most larvae having appendages and structures that appear less elongate than in adults; however, lacewing larvae are an exception, showcasing diverse elongated structures. This suggests that holometabolan larvae are not inherently restricted from developing highly elongated structures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Rodolfo Bizarria Jr, Tatiane de Castro Pietrobon, Andre Rodrigues
Summary: Yeast diversity in attine ant environments was assessed by sampling fungus gardens across different fungiculture systems. Taxonomically unique and diverse yeast communities were found in the fungus gardens of all ants examined. Different ant colonies and fungiculture systems harbored distinct yeast communities. Killer yeasts were also identified, exhibiting a classical inhibition pattern. These findings highlight the importance of studying yeast diversity and ecology in attine ant fungus gardens.
Review
Ecology
Jeremy M. Chacon, Sarah P. Hammarlund, Jonathan N. V. Martinson, Leno B. Smith, William R. Harcombe
Summary: Mutually beneficial interspecific interactions, including those between microbes, play a critical role in human health and global nutrient cycling. Studying model microbial mutualisms in laboratory settings allows for controlled experiments to develop and test evolutionary and ecological hypotheses. This research provides insights into the evolutionary origins, dynamics, and ecological features of microbial mutualism, while also highlighting gaps in understanding and open questions for future study.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY, EVOLUTION, AND SYSTEMATICS, VOL 52, 2021
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orathai Kamsoi, Alba Ventos-Alfonso, Fernando Casares, Isabel Almudi, Xavier Belles
Summary: In the Paleozoic era, certain insect groups continued molting after forming functional wings, while modern flying insects generally stop molting after metamorphosis. Mayflies are an exception, molting during the subimago stage. The identity and purpose of the subimago remain a topic of debate.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Biographical-Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bert Holldobler
Summary: This article introduces a naturalist, conservationist and synthesizer who founded sociobiology.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Virginia Gewin, German Orizaola Pereda
Summary: Evolutionary ecologist German Orizaola Pereda analyzes the impact on species 35 years after the world's worst nuclear accident.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aisling Irwin
Summary: Since the peace agreement in Colombia, scientists have been in a race against time to study the country's wealth of resources before it becomes too late.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shannon C. Lynch, Amy M. Savage
Summary: Urbanization has strong influences on ecological communities and alters species interactions. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the effects of urbanization on stress-buffering mutualisms. This study investigated the effects of urbanization on the mutualism between tree cholla cacti and visiting ants. Ant species composition and activity varied significantly across the urbanization gradient, while plant size remained constant. Ants were more aggressive and faster in attacking proxy prey in wild sites compared to urban sites, and nectar supplementation had weaker effects on ant aggression than urbanization.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilaria Di Lelio, Giobbe Forni, Giulia Magoga, Matteo Brunetti, Daniele Bruno, Andrea Becchimanzi, Maria G. De Luca, Martina Sinno, Eleonora Barra, Marco Bonelli, Sarah Frusciante, Gianfranco Diretto, Maria C. Digilio, Sheridan L. Woo, Gianluca Tettamanti, Rosa Rao, Matteo Lorito, Morena Casartelli, Matteo Montagna, Francesco Pennacchio
Summary: Plants generate energy flows through natural food webs, driven by competition for resources among organisms. The interaction between tomato plants and an insect is influenced by their respective microbiotas. The presence of the soil fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum in tomato plants negatively affects the development and survival of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera littoralis by altering the larval gut microbiota. This study highlights the potential impact of biocontrol agents on the ecological sustainability of agricultural systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric Allan
Summary: A field experiment offers a new approach to explore the mechanisms through which grazing, fertilizer use, and light availability can influence the biodiversity of a grassland plant community.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elsie H. Shogren
Summary: A new study on food-caching birds shows that genetic markers linked to neural development are associated with variation in cognitive phenotypes.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Moriaki Yasuhara, Curtis A. Deutsch
Summary: The increase in species diversity towards the tropics is a remarkable global phenomenon that has not been fully explained yet. Evidence from ocean microfossils suggests that this pattern emerged due to ancient climate cooling and polar-climate dynamics.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim Caro
Summary: Bright and toxic colours are effective in deterring predators, but the evolution of such colours without endangering conspicuous organisms has been a controversial topic. Analyzing amphibians provides an answer to this puzzle.