Article
Biology
Eduardo Everardo Garcia-Cardenas, Luis M. Burciaga, Guillermina Alcaraz
Summary: Habitat heterogeneity promotes species diversity. The hermit crab Cli. albidigitus has higher thermal tolerance and occupies upper intertidal sites, while its competitor Cal. californiensis inhabits more moderate conditions. Cli. albidigitus emerged at lower temperature in the presence of Cal. californiensis, suggesting competitive niche exclusion.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anamarija Zagar, Veronica Gomes, Neftali Sillero
Summary: This study examined microhabitat selection and surface temperature preferences of two ecologically similar lacertid species, Iberolacerta horvathi and Podarcis muralis, at three sites in different ecological contexts. The results showed significant differences in microhabitat and thermal selection between the two species, with I. horvathi predominantly selecting rocks and preferring colder temperatures, while P. muralis exhibited a more general use of microhabitats and preferred warmer temperatures. Interestingly, there were no differences in microhabitat selection between allotopic and syntopic sites, suggesting that other factors may be influencing their habitat preferences.
ACTA OECOLOGICA-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Jacob K. Moutouama, Orou G. Gaoue
Summary: This study examined the factors influencing the density of an endemic perennial herb in West Africa and found that distance from geographic and climatic niche centers did not have a significant effect on plant density. Altitudinal gradient and soil nitrogen and potassium were identified as important factors influencing plant density.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kenny Jandausch, Jan Michels, Alexander Kovalev, Stanislav N. Gorb, Thomas van de Kamp, Rolf Georg Beutel, Oliver Niehuis, Hans Pohl
Summary: The study found that females of the twisted-wing parasite species developed tolerance traits by thickening their integument, reducing damage and improving wound healing caused by traumatic insemination. Additionally, the presence of specific reproductive organs and variation in penis shape affected inter- and intraspecific mating competition.
Article
Entomology
Jun-Yin Lum, Ming-Chung Chiu, Shu-Ping Tseng, Chin-Cheng Scotty Yang, Chow-Yang Lee
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different intensities of human activity on the distribution of the longlegged ant. The results showed that moderate human activity had a positive effect on the abundance of the ant species, while low and high human activity had less impact.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Angeline Saucsen-Weisheimer, Paulo Lana, Augusto Alberto Valero Flores
Summary: The study in southeastern Brazil showed that in the upper intertidal zone of exposed rocky shores, barnacles exhibit certain distribution patterns influenced by environmental factors, affecting their coexistence and competition dynamics.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jocelyn Liang Qi Wee, Suriya Narayanan Murugesan, Christopher W. Wheat, Antonia Monteiro
Summary: Spots in pierid butterflies and eyespots in nymphalid butterflies are likely non-homologous wing colour pattern elements, yet they share a few features in common. Both develop black scales that depend on the function of the gene spalt, and both might have central signalling cells. This suggests that both pattern elements may be sharing common genetic circuitry.
Article
Biology
Yu Xu, Megan Price, Pinjia Que, Kai Zhang, Shang Sheng, Xingcheng He, Zhixin Wen, Bin Wang
Summary: This study examined the global gradients in the relative lengths of bird bills and tarsi to body size, and found that diet and flight efficiency were the primary predictors for bill length and tarsus length respectively. The effects of these factors differed between passerines and non-passerines, and temperature-related effects exhibited opposite trends between these two groups.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Borel Djiappi-Tchamen, Mariette Stella Nana-Ndjangwo, Timoleon Tchuinkam, Idene Makoudjou, Elysee Nchoutpouen, Edmond Kopya, Abdou Talipouo, Roland Bamou, Marie Paul Audrey Mayi, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Charles Wondji, Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
Summary: This study provides detailed information on the bionomics and distribution of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Yaounde, showing a higher mosquito abundance in the rainy season and a prevalence of Aedes albopictus in urban and peri-urban areas, while Aedes aegypti is more common in rural areas. The breeding sites of these mosquitoes are mostly located close to human dwellings. Controlling the distribution of Aedes mosquitoes is becoming urgent to reduce the risk of arbovirus outbreaks in the city of Yaounde.
Article
Entomology
Evelyne Hougardy, Brian N. Hogg, Xingeng Wang, Kent M. Daane
Summary: This study found that the two parasitoid wasps were unable to effectively discriminate D. suzukii pupae that had been parasitized by G. brasiliensis. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae was able to successfully develop on D. suzukii pupae containing all preimaginal stages of G. brasiliensis, while Trichopria drosophilae could only develop on puparia containing early instars of G. brasiliensis.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Robert Reuter, Olga Ferlian, Mika Tarkka, Nico Eisenhauer, Karin Pritsch, Judy Simon
Summary: The inorganic and organic nitrogen acquisition of temperate tree species is found to be influenced more by the competitive environment and availability of specific nitrogen sources in the soil rather than the type of mycorrhizal association.
Article
Entomology
Lei Nie, Bamisope Steve Bamisile, Yuling Li, Hao Ran, Suhang Wang, Lei Wang, Yijuan Xu
Summary: The invasive species W. auropunctata has shown competitive advantages over resident ants in southern China, especially in terms of food and space resources, potentially leading to the replacement of some native ant species.
Article
Biology
Evan C. Palmer-Young, Eugene V. Ryabov, Lindsey M. Markowitz, Dawn L. Boncristiani, Kyle Grubbs, Asha Pawar, Raymond Peterson, Jay D. Evans
Summary: The temperature dependence of infection reflects changes in performance of parasites and hosts. High temperatures often mitigate infection by favoring heat-tolerant hosts over heat-sensitive parasites. Honey bees exhibit endothermic thermoregulation-rare among insects-that can favor resistance to parasites. The temperature dependence of pupal infection matched that of pupal development, falling only near pupae's upper thermal limits. Deformed Wing Virus best infects honey bee pupae at temperatures optimal for pupal development-not for viral enzymes-suggesting host facilitation of virus replication, and tradeoffs between infection resistance and bee survival.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hagar Vardi-Naim, Ava Benjamin, Tali Sagiv, Noga Kronfeld-Schor
Summary: The use of artificial light at night (ALAN) has detrimental effects on the fitness of both nocturnal and diurnal species, including changes in hormone levels, reduced reproductive output, and reduced survival. The effects vary depending on species and wavelengths, with blue ALAN having the strongest impact on fitness. These findings are important for informing decision makers about the consequences of artificial light at night and can contribute to developing guidelines for its use.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Laia Leria, Marta Riutort, Rafael Romero, Xavier Ferrer, Miquel Vila-Farre
Summary: This study investigates the impacts of environmental factors and palaeogeographical processes on the distribution of freshwater planarians. The results highlight the importance of land cover type and terrain slope as the most significant abiotic factors driving the distribution of planarians in the Western Mediterranean. Additionally, interspecific competition and changes in fluvial characteristics caused by human activities may further influence the current diversity and distribution of planarians in this region.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Heli Coronel-Arellano, Maya Rocha-Ortega, Fernando Gual-Sill, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Agueda Karina Ramos-Rendon, Marcela Gonzalez-Negrete, Guillermo Gil-Alarcon, Luis Zambrano
Summary: The study found a high overlap of activity between wildlife and feral species in an ecological reserve in Mexico City, particularly with Rock Squirrels, Eastern cottontails, and Gray Foxes. The reduced area of the reserve may result in spatial overlap between species. Recommendations include implementing a management program for dogs and cats, continuing long-term control of feral species, and improving waste management.
Article
Entomology
Carmen Asuncion Castro-Resendiz, Gabriel Otero-Colina, Juan angel Quijano-Carranza, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Hector Gonzalez-Hernandez, Carlos Cuellar-Zambrano, Lauro Soto-Rojas
Summary: This study aimed to determine potential areas for establishment of Brevipalpus californicus and Brevipalpus yothersi mites and citrus leprosis viruses in Mexico by constructing life tables and calculating thermal requirements, as well as using ecological niche modeling based on historical temperature records. The results indicated specific locations, such as sweet orange cultivars bordering the Gulf of Mexico, where citrus leprosis is likely to exhibit high incidence rates. Temperature data also showed differences in the number of generations per year that each mite species can develop, with B. californicus having fewer suitable sites than B. yothersi.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Andres Arias-Alzate, Felber J. Arroyave, Oscar Y. Romero Goyeneche, Rafael G. Hurtado Heredia, Jose F. Gonzalez-Maya, Joaquin Arroyo-Cabrales, A. Townsend Peterson, Enrique Martinez-Meyer
Summary: This study investigates the indirect interactions and functional diversity patterns of mammalian carnivores in the Americas. The results show that co-occurring carnivore species exhibit ecological segregation driven by the size ratio relationship. This relationship is conservative across different ecological trait groups and through time and space, and potentially limits carnivore coexistence.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alma Mendoza-Ponce, Rogelio O. Corona-Nunez, Luzma Fabiola Nava, Francisco Estrada, Oscar Calderon-Bustamante, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Julia Carabias, Adriana H. Larralde-Corona, Mercedes Barrios, Pedro D. Pardo-Villegas
Summary: The study evaluates alternatives to minimize the impacts of land-use/cover change and climate change in one of the biologically richest regions in Guatemala and Mexico. By analyzing different land-management scenarios, the study shows that implementing a zero-deforestation policy can significantly reduce forest loss and increase carbon sequestration compared to business as usual and REDD+ projects. To reduce the pressures on ecosystems, it is crucial to implement transboundary land-management policies that integrate poverty alleviation strategies, especially in highly marginalized regions with significant migration.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sayra Espindola, Ella Vazquez-Dominguez, Miguel Nakamura, Luis Osorio-Olvera, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Edward A. Myers, Isaac Overcast, Brendan N. Reid, Frank T. Burbrink
Summary: The study found that the red-eared slider turtle can coexist with native congeners and showed genetic differences with invasive species. Genetic patterns are influenced by their population size and endemism gradient, demonstrating genetic separation among different species.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos Cerrejon, Osvaldo Valeria, Jesus Munoz, Nicole J. Fenton
Summary: This study develops predictive models for rare bryophyte species in Canadian boreal forests using remote sensing techniques and finds that these models can provide accurate predictions. The study also reveals a spatial concordance between the distribution of rare bryophytes and the overall bryophyte richness patterns.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
H. Hespanhol, K. Cezon, J. Munoz, R. G. Mateo, J. Goncalves
Summary: This study aims to develop vulnerability indices for bryophyte communities to climate change and measures the vulnerability based on niche and spatial metrics. The results show that saxicolous bryophyte communities in the high mountains of the Iberian Peninsula have the highest vulnerability to climate change.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Alejandro Gonzalez-Bernal, Octavio Rojas-Soto, Enrique Martinez-Meyer
Summary: This study used niche-based distribution models and cluster analysis to examine the bioclimatic profiles of gray wolves in North America and compare them with different subspecies classifications. The results indicate that the geographic ranges of gray wolf groups do not match with the traditional subspecies classifications. These findings can contribute to the conservation and recovery programs for gray wolves.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Luis A. Escobedo-Morales, Livia Leon-Paniagua, Enrique Martinez-Meyer, Salvador Mandujano
Summary: The Central American brocket deer is a widely distributed but poorly understood species. This study compared two models of morphological subdivision and found that the second model, based on biogeographic provinces, better fit the observed variation in cranial shape and size. The study suggests that differences in available resources and climatic barriers have promoted morphological differentiation in this species.
JOURNAL OF MAMMALOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Javier Fajardo, Janeth Lessmann, Christian Devenish, Elisa Bonaccorso, angel M. Felicisimo, Fernando J. M. Rojas-Runjaic, Haidy Rojas, Miguel Lentino, Jesus Munoz, Ruben G. Mateo
Summary: Protected area (PA) extent has increased globally over the past 150 years, but it is uncertain whether this expansion has led to improved ecological representation. This study examines the performance of PA networks in representing species diversity in tropical Andean countries. The study finds that recent additions to PAs have better represented species diversity overall, but threatened species and amphibians and reptiles are exceptions. Additionally, climate change is projected to decrease species representation in PAs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
A. Karina Ramos-Rendon, Fernando Gual-Sill, Fernando A. Cervantes, Constantino Gonzalez-Salazar, Rodrigo Garcia-Morales, Enrique Martinez-Meyer
Summary: Conservation of natural ecosystems in urban areas is challenging due to human impact, particularly the presence of cats and dogs that can harm local wildlife. The Reserva Ecologica del Pedregal de San angel (REPSA) in Mexico City is an important natural area protecting unique biodiversity. A control program targeting cats and dogs has led to a decrease in dogs and an increase in native vertebrate diversity, indicating its positive impact on conservation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Irene Solano, Dietmar Quandt, Daniel Zumel, Jesus Munoz
Summary: California is a biodiversity hotspot for bryophytes, with its northern counties being among the most endemic-rich areas for bryophytes in North America. Recent fieldwork suggests that there may be more than the currently known 29 species of the moss genus Grimmia in California. This study presents morphological and phylogenetic evidence for the recognition of two new moss species in the genus Grimmia, with one potentially having a hybrid origin.
JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego Gil-Tapetado, Diego Lopez-Collar, Jose F. Gomez, Jose Manani-Perez, Francisco J. Cabrero-Sanudo, Jesus Munoz
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of climate change on the colonization and dispersal capacity of the dragonfly Trithemis kirbyi. The research found that increasing temperatures have enabled the rapid spread and establishment of the species in southwestern Europe. The suitability models indicate that the dragonfly has the potential to colonize and establish in the eastern Mediterranean parts of Europe.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Angela Lambea-Camblor, Felipe Morcillo, Jesus Munoz, Anabel Perdices
Summary: This study analyzed the genetic variability of introduced populations of the pumpkinseed sunfish and used species distribution modeling to predict its distribution under different climate conditions. The results showed that introduced populations had lower genetic variability, likely due to a founder effect and bottleneck. The modeling results suggested that the species modified its niche during the invasion process in Europe and could potentially expand globally in the future.
Article
Plant Sciences
L. T. Ellis, P. G. Acenolaza, D. Alvarez, H. Bednarek-Ochyra, D. Brzeczek, B. Cabezudo, R. D. Cedres-Perdomo, B. S. Cubas, S. de Faria Lopes, J. Eckstein, D. Eiroa, N. Escola-Lamora, V. E. Fedosov, J. Guerra, B. Jimenez-Alfaro, I. Jukoniene, T. Kiebacher, T. Koponen, S. Strgulc Krajsek, L. Kutnar, K. V. Lavrinenko, A. Losada-Lima, Yu. S. Mamontov, J. Munoz, P. Nejfeld, N. Norhazrina, S. V. O'Leary, B. Papp, A. Perez-Haase, V. Plasek, R. D. Porley, M. Sabovljevic, N. Schnyder, A. V. Shkurko, J. B. Silva, P. Sirka, A. Stebel, G. M. Suarez, N. Syazwana, P. Uotila, V. M. Virchenko
JOURNAL OF BRYOLOGY
(2023)