Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifeng Shi, Yixuan He, Paul K. S. Shin, Yu Guo, Guodong Zhang, Yujian Wen, Guicheng Zhang, Wenzhe Xu, Jun Sun
Summary: The impacts of eutrophication on benthic ecological functions were assessed through field sampling surveys in Bohai Bay, northern China. The study found that areas with higher nutrient levels showed an increase in benthic sediment feeders and taxa with higher larval dispersal ability, but a decrease in taxa showing high motility. Seasonal differences were also observed, with lower similarity among sampling areas in summer and a higher proportion of carnivorous taxa in autumn. The study highlights the negative effects of long-term disturbance on benthic organisms and sediment quality in eutrophic environments.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anna Di Cosmo, Claudia Pinelli, Anna Scandurra, Massimo Aria, Biagio D'Aniello
Summary: Octopuses are a model species for various scientific studies, and research on them has been increasing from 1985 to 2020. The study utilized bibliometric analysis to track trends in octopus biological research, finding a growth in publications, countries, institutions, and research topics over time. The data provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of octopus studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Katsiaras, A. Evagelopoulos, N. Simboura, A. Atsalaki, D. Koutsoubas
Summary: The study explores the functional diversity of polychaetes communities in different habitat types of Posidonia oceanica, highlighting the associations between specific traits and habitat types. Differences in functional composition, diversity, and ecosystem functions were observed between plain meadow, strips/patches, and dead matte. Additionally, classifying species into ecosystem engineering types shows potential as an indicator for habitat modification.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Judi Hewitt, Johanna Gammal, Joanne Ellis
Summary: A multitude of biotic indices have been developed to represent environmental status, but transferring existing indices to new regions can be problematic. This study assesses the use of species sensitivities to specific stressors based on biological traits to overcome this issue. The results show that the trait-based modification of the Benthic Quality Index (BQI) is well correlated to suspended sediment concentrations and can potentially be used to evaluate ecosystem function.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sanitha K. Sivadas, Amit Jagannath Patil
Summary: The Indian Ocean continental shelf is a biodiversity hotspot region characterized by unique oceanographic and meteorological features and extreme habitat. Marine biodiversity provides valuable resources and services in terms of economy, culture, science, and education. Unsustainable exploitation and habitat degradation pose the greatest threat to biodiversity. Understanding future changes in these services requires knowledge of marine biodiversity. Macrofaunal biodiversity, although vital for shelf system functioning, has received less attention, especially in the Indian Ocean, due to logistical reasons hindering our ability to predict future changes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. G. Bolam, P. McIlwaine, C. Garcia
Summary: Through empirical data analysis from 17 disposal sites, it was found that shifts in response and effects traits within seabed assemblages vary across sites, making prediction difficult and influenced by environmental conditions and disposal practices. Some sites show consistent responses over time while others exhibit large inter-annual variability.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jeneen Hadj-Hammou, David Mouillot, Nicholas A. J. Graham
Summary: The response-and-effect framework is a trait-based approach that aims to analyze the mechanistic links between ecosystem disturbances, species' traits, and ecosystem processes. A review of coral reef fish traits literature shows a focus on linking response traits to disturbances, with fewer studies connecting effect traits to ecosystem processes. Size and diet of fish are identified as common traits in the literature, crucial for understanding both disturbance and process in ecosystems.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arnaud Auber, Conor Waldock, Anthony Maire, Eric Goberville, Camille Albouy, Adam C. Algar, Matthew McLean, Anik Brind'Amour, Alison L. Green, Mark Tupper, Laurent Vigliola, Kristin Kaschner, Kathleen Kesner-Reyes, Maria Beger, Jerry Tjiputra, Aurele Toussaint, Cyrille Violle, Nicolas Mouquet, Wilfried Thuiller, David Mouillot
Summary: This study presents a functional vulnerability framework that incorporates uncertainty and reference conditions, allowing for the quantification of vulnerability to a wide range of threats. Through case studies on marine fishes and mammals, the study demonstrates the relevance and operationality of the framework, as well as the geographic and temporal patterns of functional vulnerability.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. C. Fisher, M. Dallimer, K. N. Irvine, S. G. Aizlewood, G. E. Austen, R. D. Fish, P. M. King, Z. G. Davies
Summary: People depend on functioning ecosystems for essential services that support human health and well-being, making biodiversity loss a significant concern. Understanding the species and traits that contribute to well-being responses is a critical question. This study analyzes a database of species' effect traits and their impacts on various types of well-being.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Maidul Choudhury, Sara Hallin, Frauke Ecke, Valerie Hubalek, Jaanis Juhanson, Andre Frainer, Brendan G. McKie
Summary: There is a need to understand the linkages between functional diversity and ecosystem processes based on species traits. In particular, understanding the role of aquatic plant functional traits in regulating nitrogen cycling in freshwater habitats is limited. This study investigates the effects of macrophyte functional diversity and trait composition on nitrogen removal in wetlands.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Shalik Ram Sigdel, Eryuan Liang, Maan Bahadur Rokaya, Samresh Rai, Nita Dyola, Jian Sun, Lin Zhang, Haifeng Zhu, Nakul Chettri, Ram Prasad Chaudhary, J. Julio Camarero, Josep Penuelas
Summary: This study investigated the functional traits of Koenigia mollis in different elevational zones of the central Himalayas and found that elevation influenced the plant's functional traits. The plant's height, leaf morphology, and chemical properties were closely related to elevation, climate, and ecosystem productivity. The results provide insights into how plants modify their functional traits in response to changing environments.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
George N. Furey, David Tilman
Summary: In order to determine which plant traits can better explain ecosystem functioning and plant evolutionary histories, we collected 42 traits for each of 15 perennial species in a biodiversity experiment. We used every possible combination of three traits to cluster species, and found that clusters generated using tissue %Ca, %N and %K best correlated with phylogeny. Our results suggest that tissue elemental chemistry might be more phylogenetically conserved and more strongly related to ecosystem functioning than commonly measured morphological and physiological traits, which is worth exploring.
Review
Ecology
Quan Pan, Zhi Wen, Tong Wu, Tianchen Zheng, Yanzheng Yang, Ruonan Li, Hua Zheng
Summary: Understanding the trade-offs and synergies among ecosystem services is crucial for forest management. Plant functional traits are useful for identifying the relationship between forest structure, processes, and ecosystem services. The study found that there are trade-offs between regulating services and material production services, but synergies exist within regulating and material production services. These findings provide effective strategies for forest restoration and management.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Francoise Cardou, Isabelle Aubin, Melanie Lapointe, Bill Shipley
Summary: The ability of urban woodlands to regenerate and provide ecosystem services depends on maintaining a range of ecosystem functions and processes. This study compared three methods for capturing differences in urban woodland multifunctionality. The results showed that functional markers captured ecosystem multifunctionality better than species composition or urbanization markers.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qian Zhao, Yuan Zhang, Fen Guo, Catherine Leigh, Xiaobo Jia
Summary: Studies on the impact of salinisation on mountain streams ecosystems showed that as salinisation increased, biodiversity decreased and trophic links were simplified.
Article
Limnology
Catherine E. Lovelock, M. Fernanda Adame, Don W. Butler, Jeffrey J. Kelleway, Sabine Dittmann, Benedikt Fest, Karen J. King, Peter Macreadie, Katherine Mitchell, Mark Newnham, Anne Ola, Christopher J. Owers, Nina Welti
Summary: The study found that data from natural mangroves can be used to estimate carbon accumulation during mangrove restoration. Modeling mangrove biomass and soil carbon accumulation allows for predictions in heterogeneous project sites.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Luke M. Mosley, Stuart L. Simpson, David T. Welsh, Sabine Dittmann
Summary: The study found significant differences in benthic communities and functional traits across different sites, with higher abundance and more traits expressed in the estuarine region. The differences in benthic traits were correlated with sediment biogeochemistry and nutrient concentrations.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kieren P. Beaumont, Sabine Dittmann
Summary: This study investigated the changes in ground cover, seed banks, and seed rain in a pond after tidal reconnection. The results showed that seed densities varied over time and were influenced by the abundance of reproductive plants. Seed dispersal and reestablishment of vegetation may be maximized by conducting tidal reconnection when seed densities are highest.
APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Marco Antonio May-Ku, Pedro-Luis Ardisson
Summary: Due to anthropogenic pressures, there has been an increased interest in understanding the relationship between species and their environment in order to mitigate the global loss of biodiversity. However, there is still limited knowledge about this relationship, especially for small non-commercial species. This study focuses on documenting the environmental variables that influence the abundance of rare frog crab species in the southwest Gulf of Mexico. The results show that depth, salinity, temperature, and sediment composition are the most influential factors affecting the abundance of these frog crab species.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Catherine E. Lovelock, Maria F. Adame, Jennifer Bradley, Sabine Dittmann, Valerie Hagger, Sharyn M. Hickey, Lindsay B. Hutley, Alice Jones, Jeffrey J. Kelleway, Paul S. Lavery, Peter Macreadie, Damien T. Maher, Soraya McGinley, Alice McGlashan, Sarah Perry, Luke Mosley, Kerrylee Rogers, James Z. Sippo
Summary: The restoration of coastal wetlands has the potential to provide climate change mitigation and adaptation benefits, support biodiversity, and offer additional ecosystem services. Developing rigorous methods for quantifying blue carbon sequestration during restoration is crucial.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jessica Henkens, Sabine Dittmann, Ryan Baring
Summary: This study investigates the use of mangroves by fish communities in temperate climates, finding that small-bodied fish primarily use mangrove creeks in spring but with low feeding intensity, suggesting that they may not use this habitat primarily for feeding.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Jianyin Huang, Andrea Barcelo, Jordan Kent, Luke M. Mosley, David T. Welsh, Stuart L. Simpson, Sabine Dittmann
Summary: This study investigated the impact of restoring the bioturbating activity of macrobenthic fauna on biogeochemical conditions in hostile sediments. The research found that bioturbation by macrobenthic fauna can rapidly improve sediment conditions, promoting sediment oxygenation and reducing salinity and concentrations of harmful substances. This highlights the importance of macrobenthic communities for the health and functioning of estuarine ecosystems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
L. M. Mosley, S. Priestley, J. Brookes, S. Dittmann, J. Farkas, M. Farrell, A. J. Ferguson, M. Gibbs, M. Hipsey, J. Huang, O. Lam-Gordillo, S. L. Simpson, J. J. Tyler, M. Waycott, D. T. Welsh
Summary: Estuaries in rainfall poor regions like Coorong, Australia, are facing ecological health decline due to reduced freshwater inflows and increased evapo-concentration. The persistently hyper-saline and hypereutrophic conditions in Coorong are affecting water quality and sediment quality, leading to negative impacts on the ecosystem. Increasing lagoonal flushing would help to reduce hypersalinisation and hypereutrophication and improve the health of the ecosystem.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Leigh W. Tait, Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Andrew M. Lohrer, Michael Townsend, Emily J. Douglas, Graeme J. Inglis
Summary: Coastal marine benthic ecosystems are important for biodiversity and productivity, but the introduction of non-indigenous invasive species can have significant impacts on these systems. This study investigated the influence of Sabella spallanzanii, an invasive polychaete, on sediment characteristics, solute fluxes, and benthic communities in New Zealand. The results showed that Sabella had significant effects on sediment oxygen consumption, nutrient fluxes, and benthic diversity and abundance. These findings highlight the potential for invasive species to reshape coastal marine ecosystems.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Gareth Butler, Kirstin Ross, Julian Beaman, Cassie Hoepner, Ryan Baring, Karen Burke da Silva
Summary: This paper systematically analyzes existing literature on the utilization of tourist-generated data in response to environmental challenges or issues. The findings highlight the significant potential of integrating tourists in Citizen Science, while also pointing out limitations and challenges that need to be addressed in future projects.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Andrew M. Lohrer, Judi Hewitt, Sabine Dittmann
Summary: The New Zealand Trait Database (NZTD) is the first comprehensive assessment of macrobenthic traits in New Zealand, providing trait information for over 700 macrobenthic taxa categorized by 18 traits and 77 trait modalities. The establishment of the NZTD fills the trait knowledge gap in New Zealand and facilitates future research using trait-based approaches to study New Zealand's coastal macrofauna.
Article
Ecology
Sabine Dittmann, Luke Mosley, James Stangoulis, Van Lam Nguyen, Kieren Beaumont, Tan Dang, Huade Guan, Karina Gutierrez-Jurado, Orlando Lam-Gordillo, Andrew McGrath
Summary: Mangrove forests provide essential ecosystem services, but are threatened by habitat loss, effects of climatic change and chemical pollutants. A recent dieback event of temperate mangrove in South Australia allowed to evaluate the generality of anthropogenic impacts on mangrove ecosystems. The study found that hypersalinity and anaerobic sediments were factors contributing to the mangrove mortality.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yongcui Lan, Jinliang Wang, Qianwei Liu, Fang Liu, Lanfang Liu, Jie Li, Mengjia Luo
Summary: This study focuses on the five major plateau lake basins in central Yunnan, China, and constructs an ecological security pattern using the source-resistance surface-corridor-pinch point framework. The study simulates land use/cover change in the region and identifies early warning regions where future urban expansion poses a threat to current ecological source areas and corridors.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Pingping Huang, Feng Zhao, Bailing Zhou, Kuidong Xu
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of benthic microeukaryotes in the China Seas and finds that they can stride over the ecological barrier of 32 degrees N. The study also highlights the significant influence of depth, temperature, and latitude on communities in the China Seas.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Federico Morelli, Yanina Benedetti, Jesse Stanford, Leszek Jerzak, Piotr Tryjanowski, Paolo Perna, Riccardo Santolini
Summary: Species distribution models (SDMs) are numerical tools used for predicting species' spatial distribution. This study found that ecological characteristics, such as habitat specialization, play a role in improving the accuracy of SDMs.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Xiaoxuan Wu, Hang Liu, Wei Liu
Summary: Global climate change, urbanization, and economic development have increased the need for sustainable human development, urban ecological governance, and low-carbon energy transformation. This study analyzes the green ecological transition in Chengdu based on panel data from 2010 to 2020, exploring its spatiotemporal evolution and key factors. The results show an overall upward trend in Chengdu's green ecological development and positive spatial autocorrelation in certain districts.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Castaldi Simona, Formicola Nicola, Mastrocicco Micol, Morales Rodriguez Carmen, Morelli Raffaella, Prodorutti Daniele, Vannini Andrea, Zanzotti Roberto
Summary: Sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important for global and national environmental policies and economy. This study compared the sustainability of grape production under integrated and organic management using multiple indicators. The results showed that organic management was more beneficial for most environmental aspects of the agroecosystem compared to integrated management, without affecting grape yield.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gaia Vaglio Laurin, Alexander Cotrina-Sanchez, Luca Belelli-Marchesini, Enrico Tomelleri, Giovanna Battipaglia, Claudia Cocozza, Francesco Niccoli, Jerzy Piotr Kabala, Damiano Gianelle, Loris Vescovo, Luca Da Ros, Riccardo Valentini
Summary: Phenology monitoring is important for understanding forest functioning and climate impacts. This research compares the phenological behavior of European beech forests using Tree-Talker (TT+) and Sentinel 2 satellite data. The study finds differences in the information derived by the two sensor types, particularly in terms of season length, phenology changepoints, and leaf period variability. TT+ with its higher temporal resolution demonstrates precision in capturing the phenological changepoints, especially when satellite image availability is limited.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Huanhuan Pan, Ziqiang Du, Zhitao Wu, Hong Zhang, Keming Ma
Summary: The land use and cover changes resulting from coal mining activities and ecological restoration have had a significant impact on ecosystem services in mining areas. This study investigates the relationship between ecosystem services and land use intensity in coal mining areas, emphasizing the importance of understanding this interdependence for balanced human-land system development. The research examines the evolving relationship across different reclamation stages in Shanxi, China, using a coupling coordination degree model. The findings suggest the need for timely and judicious reclamation of coalfields, considering the land's bearing capacity.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jingjuan He, Yijun Shi, Lihua Xu, Zhangwei Lu, Mao Feng
Summary: This study examines the spatial interplay between changes in the blue-green spatial distribution and modifications in land surface temperature grades in Shanghai. The findings reveal that the transformation of the blue-green spatial pattern differs between different sectors of the city, and the impact on the thermal environment varies spatially.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Yi Xu, Di Zhang, Junqiang Lin, Qidong Peng, Xiaohui Lei, Tiantian Jin, Jia Wang, Ruifang Yuan
Summary: This study analyzed the response relationship between phytoplankton growth and water environmental parameters in the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in China using long-term monitoring data and machine learning models. The results revealed the differences between monitoring sites and identified the key parameters that affect phytoplankton growth.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2024)
