Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nils Heck, Jule Freudenthal, Kenneth Dumack
Summary: In this study, metatranscriptomics data from a bioreactor sampled weekly over 14 months were used to investigate the wastewater microbiome, including often neglected microeukaryotes. The results revealed that while prokaryotes are unaffected by seasonal changes in water temperature, they are impacted by a seasonal, temperature-induced change in the microeukaryotic community. The findings suggest that selective predation pressure exerted by microeukaryotes is a significant factor shaping the prokaryotic community in wastewater.
Article
Entomology
Mingxiu Liu, Mian Wang, Yuzhen Nima, Xiaotian Feng, Guangyun Li, Yi Yang, Yaying Li, Huai Liu
Summary: Intraguild predation occurs frequently between the introduced enemy Neoseiulus barkeri and the native enemy Scolothrips takahashii when target prey is scarce. It is an adaptive strategy that ensures the persistence of intraguild predators during periods of prey scarcity. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of intraguild prey on the survival, development, and reproduction of intraguild predators in a reciprocal predator guild. The results support the hypothesis and confirm the effectiveness of intraguild predation as an adaptive strategy.
Article
Ecology
Sophie Gilbert, Neil Carter, Robin Naidoo
Summary: The conservation of predators, especially those that pose threats to humans, can cause controversy among stakeholders. However, the ecosystem services and disservices provided by predators through consuming herbivores are often overlooked. Further empirical research into the marginal values of wildlife services/disservices is needed to improve conservation and management outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Petr Vesely, Juraj Dobrovodsky, Roman Fuchs
Summary: The study demonstrates that myrmecomorph spiders successfully mimic ants and maintain an equivalent level of defense against ant-eating animals, even though the attacked myrmecomorphs are usually consumed, indicating that their mimicry is effective against avian predators and operates in a Batesian manner.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biology
Daniel Jareno, Alfonso Paz Luna, Javier Vinuela
Summary: In this study, the efficacy of biological control by avian predators to reduce common vole abundance was explored by providing nest-boxes in croplands. It was found that vole abundance was significantly lower near occupied nest-boxes at distances less than 180 m. However, the effectiveness of nest-boxes varied depending on the study area and was more limited in alfalfa fields. Therefore, nest-box supplementation could be a feasible measure for biological control in Mediterranean ecosystems, but improvements are needed for vole control in alfalfa fields within an integrated pest control program.
Article
Ecology
Eleesha Annear, Liaan Minnie, Kaeleah Andrew, Graham I. H. Kerley
Summary: Smaller predators can overcome prey size restrictions by selecting juvenile prey of larger species. Traditional prey selection models overlook demographic classes within prey species. We refined these models for cheetahs and lions, including seasonal consumption and availability of prey demographics. We observed cheetahs selecting smaller neonates and juveniles, while lions preferred larger adult prey.
Article
Ecology
Christopher R. Cooney, Yichen He, Zoe K. Varley, Lara O. Nouri, Christopher J. A. Moody, Michael D. Jardine, Andras Liker, Tamas Szekely, Gavin H. Thomas
Summary: This study confirms the long-held belief that tropical bird species are more colorful than temperate species by analyzing a dataset of over 4,500 bird species.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alejandra Sofia Sanchez-Avila, Robert L. Wallace, Elizabeth J. Walsh
Summary: This study investigated the predation behavior of Actinosphaerium sp., a freshwater heliozoan, on seven rotifer species, and found that larger and more mobile rotifers were more likely to be preyed upon. Preference was shown towards Asplanchna sieboldii and Brachionus calyciflorus, while Lacinularia flosculosa had very low predation probability. Therefore, size and mobility are the primary risk factors influencing rotifer predation vulnerability.
Article
Fisheries
Danielle Ortiz de Ortiz, Ivan Luiz Gavioli, Jose Guilherme Filho Bersano, Erica Alves Gonzalez Vidal
Summary: Nutrition and the lack of an established protocol for Octopus larviculture are challenges for aquaculture development. This study aimed to fill knowledge gaps by determining daily feeding rates of Octopus americanus paralarvae at different ages with various live prey types and densities. Results showed different prey types had varying effects on feeding rates, with hatchlings preferring zoeae and older paralarvae favoring Artemia nauplii.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jan Ove Bustnes, Bard-Jorgen Bardsen, Dorte Herzke, Georg Bangjord, Sophie Bourgeon, Clementine Fritsch, Igor Eulaers
Summary: This study compared the exposure of organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) in two avian predator species in different ecosystems. The results showed that the proportional distribution of OHCs and PFASs was similar in the two species. However, the concentrations of PFASs were higher in goldeneye ducks than in tawny owls. The main OC components in goldeneyes were persistent polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), while OC-pesticides dominated in tawny owls. Moreover, most OC pesticides and less persistent PCB101 declined in concentration in both species, while PFOS declined in tawny owls but remained stable in goldeneyes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Rajesh Sathyamoorthy, Amit Huppert, Daniel E. Kadouri, Edouard Jurkevitch
Summary: Increasing decoy:prey ratios result in reduced maximal predator population sizes and significantly increased time to reach it. BALOs spend less time handling non-prey cells and do not differentiate between efficient and less efficient prey. Less preferred prey may act as decoys in multiple predator and prey cultures.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Karin Kjernsmo, Anna M. Lim, Rox Middleton, Joanna R. Hall, Leah M. Costello, Heather M. Whitney, Nicholas E. Scott-Samuel, Innes C. Cuthill
Summary: Recent research has shown that iridescence can act as an effective form of camouflage by reducing the willingness of avian predators to attack. Both iridescence and surface gloss have independent effects on the likelihood of prey being attacked.
Article
Ecology
Elena L. Zvereva, Mikhail V. Kozlov
Summary: Models mimicking prey organisms are used in ecological studies to test theories. Our study compared the predation risk on live and artificial prey, finding that bird attack rates were higher on live prey than on plasticine models, while invertebrate predation rates showed no seasonal changes on models. The study highlights the potential differences in conclusions about predator importance and seasonal patterns when using live or artificial prey.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marek C. Allen, Michael Clinchy, Liana Y. Zanette
Summary: This study demonstrates that fear itself can significantly impact prey population growth rates in free-living wildlife, potentially constituting a considerable part of the total impact of predators.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. C. Young, T. E. Katzner, D. J. Shinneman, T. N. Johnson
Summary: Shrublands worldwide have been altered by plant invasions, including the expansion of native trees. The removal of native conifer trees, such as juniper, in the western U.S. has been implemented to support declining sagebrush habitats and associated wildlife species. However, the relationship between conifer expansion and predator distributions has not been explicitly evaluated. This study found that habitat use by common ravens and red-tailed hawks was influenced by structural characteristics of the habitat, but not by prey abundance.
Article
Entomology
Mikhail V. Kozlov, Vitali Zverev, Tobias M. Sandner, Erik J. van Nieukerken, Elena L. Zvereva
Summary: Damage to plant communities caused by insect herbivores generally decreases with increasing latitude. This study examined the hypothesis that the food consumption by individual herbivores decreases from low to high latitudes due to a decrease in metabolic expenses driven by temperature. The results revealed that the larval feeding efficiency increased with latitude, resulting in reduced foliar biomass consumption by the herbivores at higher latitudes to reach the same size.
Article
Entomology
Per-Eric Betzholtz, Anders Forsman, Markus Franzen
Summary: The decline of many plants and animals driven by climate change is not universal, as some taxa are increasing in abundance and distribution. Understanding population dynamics and range expansions in different areas and taxonomic groups in response to changing temperatures is important for our future warm and fluctuating climate. In this study, range-expanding moths in southeastern Sweden were found to increase in species richness over time and population growth increased during years with higher temperatures. These shifts in moth distribution and abundance may lead to rapid changes in community compositions, with consequences for species interactions and ecosystem functioning.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marti March-Salas, Felipe Morales-Armijo, Juan Antonio Hernandez-Agueero, Eduardo Estrada-Castillon, Andrea Sobrevilla-Covarrubias, Jose Ramon Arevalo, J. F. Scheepens, Juan Lorite
Summary: Cliffs are unique ecosystems with diverse plant life, including rare and endangered species. However, the increasing popularity of climbing poses a threat to this ecosystem, negatively impacting plant abundance, diversity, and species associations. Our study in El Potrero Chico, Mexico, found that climbing reduced the abundance and diversity of plants, particularly dominant species and rare endemic species. Climbing also disrupted species associations and led to the disappearance of locally rare and endangered species. Therefore, conservation efforts should focus on preserving the holistic ecosystem of cliffs, rather than solely prioritizing emblematic or rare species.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Brian R. Zutta, Norma Salinas, Eric G. Cosio, Richard Tito, Susan Aragon, Alex Nina-Quispe, Rosa Maria Roman-Cuesta
Summary: Understanding the greenness of tropical secondary forest canopies and their response to climate conditions is crucial for mitigating climate change, especially in the tropics where secondary forests act as significant carbon sinks and natural climate solutions. This study tested three hypotheses regarding canopy greenness and climatic pressures in primary and secondary forests in Peru. The results showed that secondary forests had higher annual and seasonal greenness changes compared to primary forests, indicating their higher productivity. However, secondary forests were also more vulnerable to prolonged drought. The most significant factors predicting greenness fluctuations in different forest types were land surface temperature and a plant water use index. These findings highlight the importance of considering tropical secondary forests in climate change mitigation efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Laura Seidel, Elias Broman, Emelie Nilsson, Magnus Stahle, Marcelo Ketzer, Clara Perez-Martinez, Stephanie Turner, Samuel Hylander, Jarone Pinhassi, Anders Forsman, Mark Dopson
Summary: In addition to long-term temperature increases, climate change is expected to lead to more frequent marine heatwaves. Coastal zones, already under anthropogenic pressure, are highly productive and vulnerable ecosystems. This study investigates the response of coastal bacterial communities to temperature change using a long-term heated bay and short-term thermal incubation experiments. The results show that benthic bacterial communities in the heated bay have a broader thermal tolerance and higher transcript numbers related to energy metabolism and stress compared to the control bay. This study highlights the important role of long-term warming in modulating the performance and resilience of bacterial communities.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julia Valentim Tavares, Rafael S. Oliveira, Maurizio Mencuccini, Caroline Signori-Mueller, Luciano Pereira, Francisco Carvalho Diniz, Martin Gilpin, Manuel Marca J. Zevallos, Carlos Salas A. Yupayccana, Martin Acosta, Flor Perez Mullisaca, Fernanda de V. Barros, Paulo Bittencourt, Halina Jancoski, Marina Correa Scalon, Beatriz S. Marimon, Imma Oliveras Menor, Ben Hur Marimon Jr, Max Fancourt, Alexander Chambers-Ostler, Adriane Esquivel-Muelbert, Lucy Rowland, Patrick Meir, Antonio Carlos Lola da Costa, Alex Nina, Jesus M. B. Sanchez, Jose S. Tintaya, Rudi S. C. Chino, Jean Baca, Leticia Fernandes, Edwin R. M. Cumapa, Joao Antonio R. Santos, Renata Teixeira, Ligia Tello, Maira T. M. Ugarteche, Gina A. Cuellar, Franklin Martinez, Alejandro Araujo-Murakami, Everton Almeida, Wesley Jonatar Alves da Cruz, Jhon del Aguila Pasquel, Luis Aragao, Timothy R. Baker, Plinio Barbosa de Camargo, Roel Brienen, Wendeson Castro, Sabina Cerruto Ribeiro, Fernanda Coelho de Souza, Eric G. Cosio, Nallaret Davila Cardozo, Richarlly da Costa Silva, Mathias Disney, Javier Silva Espejo, Ted R. Feldpausch, Leandro Ferreira, Leandro Giacomin, Niro Higuchi, Marina Hirota, Euridice Honorio, Walter Huaraca Huasco, Simon Lewis, Gerardo Flores Llampazo, Yadvinder Malhi, Abel Monteagudo Mendoza, Paulo Morandi, Victor Chama Moscoso, Robert Muscarella, Deliane Penha, Mayda Cecilia Rocha, Gleicy Rodrigues, Ademir R. Ruschel, Norma Salinas, Monique Schlickmann, Marcos Silveira, Joey Talbot, Rodolfo Vasquez, Laura Vedovato, Simone Aparecida Vieira, Oliver L. Phillips, Emanuel Gloor, David R. Galbraith
Summary: Tropical forests in the Amazon region are facing increasing climate risk, but our understanding of their resistance to water stress is limited. This study uses a standardized hydraulic traits dataset to assess regional variation in drought sensitivity and the ability of hydraulic traits to predict species distributions and forest biomass accumulation. It finds that HSM50, a measure of hydraulic safety margin, is the significant predictor of observed decadal-scale changes in forest biomass. Continued climate change is expected to reduce HSM50 in the Amazon, with implications for the Amazon carbon sink.
Article
Plant Sciences
Laszlo Nagy, Cleiton B. Eller, Lina M. Mercado, Francisco X. Cuesta, Luis D. Llambi, Erika Buscardo, Luiz E. O. C. Aragao, Carlos Garcia-Nunez, Rafael S. Oliveira, Milton Barbosa, Sergio J. Ceballos, Marco Calderon-Loor, G. Wilson Fernandes, Ezequiel Araoz, Ariadna M. Q. Munoz, Ricardo Rozzi, Francisco Aguirre, Esteban alvarez-Davila, Norma Salinas, Stephen Sitch
Summary: This study reviews the existing empirical understanding and model-based approaches to quantify the contribution of mountain ecosystems in South America to ecosystem service provision. It proposes the implementation of mountain vegetation into dynamic global vegetation models, identifies key missing elements in these models, and explores a treeline model. The evaluation of the JULES land surface model reveals major gaps between data availability and the requirements for process-based modeling of South American mountain vegetation.
PLANT ECOLOGY & DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jani J. Sormunen, Satu Makela, Tero Klemola, Theophilus Y. Alale, Eero J. Vesterinen
Summary: The molecular identification of blood meal sources in ticks has been studied for several decades, but no widely used method has been established. A recent study developed qPCR assays based on retrotransposons to detect blood meal fragments in North American host species. In this study, the assays were used to identify blood meal sources and screen for tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from Finland. The results showed that voles, shrews, and red squirrels were the main blood meal sources for Ixodes ricinus larvae, with red squirrels having the highest probability of carrying Borrelia.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Oleksandra Shumilova, Klement Tockner, Alexander Sukhodolov, Valentyn Khilchevskyi, Luc De Meester, Sergiy Stepanenko, Ganna Trokhymenko, Juan Antonio Hernandez-Agueero, Peter Gleick
Summary: The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has had significant environmental consequences, particularly in terms of water management. A study reveals the severe impacts on water resources, sanitation, and infrastructure during the initial three months of the war.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Johanna Sunde, Markus Franzen, Per-Eric Betzholtz, Yannick Francioli, Lars B. Pettersson, Juha Poyry, Nils Ryrholm, Anders Forsman
Summary: Climate change is a crucial factor in driving changes in range shifts and community composition. The combination of land use, species interactions, and species traits also influences these responses, although the details are not well understood. By integrating climate and distribution data for 131 butterfly species in Sweden and Finland, we found that cumulative species richness has increased with rising temperatures over the past 120 years. However, the rate and direction of range expansions do not align with temperature changes due to the influence of other climatic variables, land use, and species characteristics.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mario R. Moura, Fellipe A. O. do Nascimento, Lucas N. Paolucci, Daniel P. Silva, Braulio A. Santos
Summary: Climate emergency poses a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly in dryland plant assemblages. This study modeled the current and future distribution of plant species in a tropical dry forest, and projected a decrease in species richness and changes in woodiness patterns due to climate change. The findings emphasize the importance of long-term conservation planning for maintaining tropical dry forests.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Tydecks, Juan Antonio Hernandez-Agueero, Katrin Boehning-Gaese, Vanessa Bremerich, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Brigitta Schuett, Christiane Zarfl, Klement Tockner
Summary: Biocultural diversity, encompassing both biological and cultural diversity, faces the threat of extinction, similar to plant and animal species. This study focuses on oases in the Sahara Desert as model systems to examine spatial patterns and trends of biocultural diversity, and identifies the drivers and potential proxies for understanding the interconnections between biological and cultural diversity. Using oases in Algeria as an example, current indices describing and quantifying biocultural diversity are tested and their limitations are identified. Further research questions are discussed to enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling the coupling and decoupling of biological and cultural diversity in oases.
Article
Ecology
Ines Maria Alonso-Crespo, Juan Antonio Hernandez-Agueero
Summary: Interactions between species within an ecosystem are vital for ecosystem functionality, but human activities are disrupting these relationships and contributing to biodiversity decline. This study examined the impact of human population on trophic interactions at different latitudes and found that bird predation intensity varied with human population density, with contrasting trends observed at different latitudes. Herbivory was not affected by urbanization, and higher levels of herbivory were found at lower latitudes.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Markus Franzen, Anders Forsman, Bafraw Karimi
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of moth communities and the factors influencing these dynamics in two provinces in southern Sweden. The study reveals significant associations between the probability of a species being present and distinct traits, such as color patterns, habitat preferences, flight periods, host plant specificity, and overwintering methods. The findings shed light on the roles of climate change and anthropogenic impacts in shaping moth biodiversity, providing key insights into ecological processes and guiding future conservation efforts.
Article
Forestry
Caroline Signori-Mueller, David Galbraith, Julia Tavares, Simone M. Reis, Francisco C. Diniz, Martin Gilpin, Beatriz S. Marimon, Geertje M. F. van der Heijden, Camila Borges, Bruno B. L. Cintra, Sarah Miao, Paulo S. Morandi, Alex Nina, Carlos A. Salas Yupayccana, Manuel J. Marca Zevallos, Eric G. Cosio, Ben H. Marimon Junior, Abel M. Mendoza, Oliver Phillips, Norma Salinas, Rodolfo Vasquez, Maurizio Mencuccini, Rafael S. Oliveira
Summary: Lianas, as important components of tropical forests, compete with host trees for resources, leading to decreased tree growth and increased tree mortality. However, their impact on the carbon dynamics of host trees is not significant. Lianas have higher non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) concentrations compared to trees.
