Article
Ecology
Johanna A. Harvey, Kiley Chernicky, Shelby R. Simons, Taylor B. Verrett, Jaime A. Chaves, Sarah A. Knutie
Summary: Urbanization has a positive impact on the nesting success of Darwin's finches, but may also result in mortality due to anthropogenic factors. During dry years, urban finches build more nests, lay more eggs, and produce more fledglings compared to nonurban finches. However, urban finches' nests contain anthropogenic debris, leading to a certain percentage of nestling mortality.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
L. Ruth Rivkin, Reagan A. Johnson, Jaime A. Chaves, Marc T. J. Johnson
Summary: Recent evidence has shown that human activities have a significant impact on species interactions and ecological dynamics. Islands, being more vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances due to their delicate ecosystems, are particularly affected by urbanization. This study conducted in the Galapagos Islands demonstrates how early stages of urban development can alter the interactions between Darwin's finches and Tribulus cistoides, leading to changes in natural selection and community composition. Urbanization was found to result in higher rates of seed and mericarp removal, as well as differences in mericarp morphology and defensive strategies between urban and natural habitats. The findings suggest that even moderate levels of urbanization can have profound effects on species interactions and evolutionary processes in island ecosystems.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Magdalena E. Mossbrucker, David Acuna-Marrero, Megan E. Cundy, Denisse Fierro-Arcos, Jenifer M. Suarez-Moncada, Etienne Rastoin-Laplaine, Pelayo Salinas-de-Leon
Summary: This article presents the unique fish assemblage composition of the Galapagos Islands and introduces five new fish records. It discusses the influence of the El Nino phenomenon on fish species distribution and emphasizes the importance of using underwater video technology and accurate species listings to understand the impact of the climate crisis.
JOURNAL OF THE MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
(2023)
Article
Biology
Michael Heads, John R. Grehan
Summary: The study of biogeographic patterns in the Galapagos Islands reveals shared patterns among different groups that coincide spatially with specific tectonic structures. Research suggests that species in the Galapagos Islands may have survived by dispersing populations from older islands to new ones for colonization.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rebecca Hood-Nowotny, Ingrid Rabitsch, Arno Cimadom, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Andrea Watzinger, Paul Schmidt Yanez, Christian H. Schulze, Sophie Zechmeister-Boltenstern, Heinke Jaeger, Sabine Tebbich
Summary: Invasive species, especially the blackberry plant, pose a significant threat to forest biodiversity, particularly on islands like the Galapagos. This study examines the impact of blackberry invasion on the decline of the green warbler finch, a unique species found in the cloud forest. The study compares the dietary changes of the finches in managed and unmanaged areas, and the results indicate that blackberry encroachment leads to a decrease in food source quality and quantity, resulting in a decline in chick recruitment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Correction
Zoology
David Ross Robertson, Carlos J. Estape, Allison M. Estape, Lee Richter, Ernesto Pena, Benjamin Victor
Summary: After reviewing image plates, it was found that a misidentification occurred with an image of Rypticus subbifrenatus, which was mistakenly labeled as R. carpenter. The correction did not significantly impact the data on the ecological structure of the St. John-Thomas fauna. Additionally, an image of the blenniid fish Hypsoblennius exstochilus from St. Thomas was added to the inventory without substantial impact on the data as well.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Uwe Zajonz, Edouard Lavergne, Sergey Bogorodsky, Friedhelm Krupp
Summary: The study focuses on the distributional biogeography of coastal fish fauna in the Socotra Archipelago and its relation to ichthyogeographic and ecoregional concepts, highlighting close affinities to a putative ecoregion in the eastern Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea coast of Oman. It suggests that the Socotra Archipelago should be considered a distinct ecoregion due to its unique marine diversity levels.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mariana Villegas, Catherine Soos, Gustavo Jimenez-Uzcategui, Shukri Matan, Keith A. Hobson
Summary: The study found that insectivorous and granivorous finches on Santa Cruz Island have higher δ C-13 values, while herbivorous finches have lower values. Segregation among dietary guilds was enhanced by differences in δ H-2 values, providing better trophic discrimination.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Homero A. Paltan, Fatima L. Benitez, Paulina Rosero, Daniel Escobar-Camacho, Francisco Cuesta, Carlos F. Mena
Summary: The Galapagos Islands have experienced a temperature increase of 0.6 degrees Celsius since the early 1980s, becoming drier with delayed onset of the wet season. Future climate projections suggest a potential increase in precipitation of 20-70%, along with more extreme wet and hot conditions. Regional sea surface temperatures have risen by 1.2 degrees Celsius over the last two decades, leading to potential deterioration of marine ecosystems.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew F. Bell, Peter C. La Femina, Mario Ruiz, Falk Amelung, Marco Bagnardi, Christopher J. Bean, Benjamin Bernard, Cynthia Ebinger, Matthew Gleeson, James Grannell, Stephen Hernandez, Machel Higgins, Celine Liorzou, Paul Lundgren, Nathan J. Meier, Martin Mollhoff, Sarah-Jaye Oliva, Andres Gorki Ruiz, Michael J. Stock
Summary: This study demonstrates the contribution of the 2018 eruption of Sierra Negra to caldera resurgence, highlighting the importance of intra-caldera faulting in resurgence mechanisms and providing a rare case of eruption mechanisms in the absence of well-developed rift systems.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Daniel M. Palacios, Mauricio Cantor
Summary: The Galapagos Islands in the eastern tropical Pacific are subject to strong environmental variability. Research has shown the presence of at least 23 cetacean species, including 14 common species, in these islands. However, cetacean research in Galapagos has been sporadic and underfunded, and not considered a priority. This study identifies priorities for ecological research on cetaceans in Galapagos and recommends optimizing data sampling, incorporating citizen science activities, and involving stakeholders in the research agenda.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lorena de M. J. Gomes, Gabriel S. Garcia, Cesar A. M. M. Cordeiro, Nelson A. A. Gouveia, Carlos E. L. Ferreira, Mariana G. G. Bender, Guilherme O. O. Longo, Juan P. P. Quimbayo, Douglas F. M. Gherardi
Summary: Recent evidence has highlighted the important role of phylogenetic history in shaping communities' response to the environment. In our study, we investigated the response of reef fish abundances to environmental variability on four oceanic islands in the southwestern Atlantic, considering phylogenetic history, functional traits, and species co-occurrence patterns. We found a strong phylogenetic signal and surface chlorophyll-a concentration to be the most important environmental factor.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gregory P. Asner, Nicholas R. Vaughn, Shawna A. Foo, Joseph Heckler, Roberta E. Martin
Summary: Reef rugosity, a metric of three-dimensional habitat complexity, is crucial for determining reef condition and occupancy by various marine organisms. Using a new mapping technique, this study explored the variation of reef rugosity in the Main Hawaiian Islands, finding that water depth and reef slope are primary drivers of rugosity, while coastal development plays a secondary role. These results can aid in tracking geological and human impacts on reefs, designing marine managed areas, and improving reef resilience.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Airam N. Sarmiento-Lezcano, Maria Couret, Antoni Lombarte, Maria Pilar Olivar, Jose Maria Landeira, Santiago Hernandez-Leon, Victor M. Tuset
Summary: This study investigated the causal mechanism of the first mesopelagic fish strandings along the southeast shore of Gran Canaria Island. It was found that these strandings were mainly dominated by Diaphus dumerilli, but other Myctophidae species were also present. The study suggests that a monitoring program of coastal sites combined with satellite-derived environmental data can provide valuable information for modeling and predicting such events. The findings highlight the importance of mesoscale oceanographic structures in the occurrence of fish strandings.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maciej Skoracki, Bozena Sikora, Markus Unsoeld, Martin Hromada
Summary: This study investigated quill mites in the Galapagos Islands for the first time, identifying a new mite species and confirming their presence in two host species. The findings contribute to the understanding of avian parasites in the Galapagos Islands.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ricardo Beldade, Gary C. Longo, Kendall D. Clements, D. Ross Robertson, Alejandro Perez-Matus, Shiro Itoi, Haruo Sugita, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: Nibblers, reef fishes mostly found in the Indo-Pacific, have an interesting distribution pattern with Girella stuebeli being an exception in the Cabo Verde Archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Through studying genomic markers, it was discovered that G. stuebeli is closely related to a clade of three endemic species in the northwestern Pacific, diverging approximately 2.2 million years ago. The most likely migration route between these species is through the Indian Ocean and Southern Africa, based on geological history, oceanography, and molecular data analysis.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Christine N. Meynard, Giacomo Bernardi, Ceridwen Fraser, Judith Masters, Cynthia Riginos, Isabel Sanmartin, Krystal A. Tolley, Michael N. Dawson
Summary: Despite increasing awareness of inclusivity, equity, and diversity issues, progress in addressing gender disparities in science and academia has been slow. This article compiles highly cited papers led by women in the Journal of Biogeography since 2009 to equalize visibility of women's influential work. By highlighting influential contributions by women biogeographers, it aims to contribute towards balancing visibility across genders and creating a greater sense of belonging for women in the field.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ernesto Azzurro, Mathilde Nourigat, Francesca Cohn, Jamila Ben Souissi, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: Genetic studies on Lessepsian bioinvaders, particularly two invasive fishes, reveal divergent patterns with little genetic structure in rabbitfish and strong population structure in filefish at the boundary of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. Loci under selection were found in populations near the Suez Canal, suggesting the essential role of selection for successful invasions. Osmoregulation-related genes were identified, indicating their importance for individuals crossing the salinity-variable Suez Canal.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: The Galapagos Archipelago has been extensively studied for terrestrial adaptive radiations, but little is known about marine species divergence among islands. This study focused on the Galapagos blue-banded goby, revealing potential for local adaptation in marine species within the archipelago.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Thiony Simon, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Simoni Santos, Raphael M. Macieira, Yrlene S. S. Ferreira, Giacomo Bernardi, Luiz A. Rocha, Sergio R. Floeter, Carlos Eduardo L. Ferreira, Jean-Christophe Joyeux
Summary: Studies on oceanic island biodiversity lay the foundation for theoretical work, while seamounts are relatively underexplored. The research suggests that seamounts play a crucial role in supporting subpopulations that eventually lead to island colonization, diversification, and a biodiversity feedback process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quinzia Palazzo, Fiorella Prada, Tim Steffens, Simona Fermani, Chiara Samori, Giacomo Bernardi, Alexis Terron-Sigler, Francesca Sparla, Giuseppe Falini, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: The skeletal features of coral species are influenced by their evolution, distribution, and habitat, with symbiotic algae contributing to increased growth and skeletal density in certain coral species. The presence of symbiosis can also affect the organic matrix content in the skeleton, while crystallographic features remain consistent among species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Zoology
D. Ross Robertson, Carlos J. Estape, Allison M. Estape, Lee Richter, Ernesto Pena, Benjamin Victor
Summary: This article provides updated information and new species additions to the marine fish faunas of St. Croix and St. John-Thomas, US Virgin Islands. The assessment increased the known fauna of St. Croix by 7.5% to 585 species and the inventory for St. John-Thomas increased by 39.9% to 561 species.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Giacomo Bernardi, Jason A. Toy, Merly Escalona, Mohan P. A. Marimuthu, Ruta Sahasrabudhe, Oanh Nguyen, Samuel Sacco, Eric Beraut, Erin Toffelmier, Courtney Miller, H. Bradley Shaffer
Summary: Surfperches are viviparous reef fishes that have limited dispersal, strong population structure, and potential for local adaptation. The genome of the Black Surfperch was sequenced to establish a genomic model for understanding phylogeographic patterns of marine organisms in California and guide the design of marine protected areas.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Giacomo Bernardi, Melissa DeBiasse, Merly Escalona, Mohan P. A. Marimuthu, Oanh Nguyen, Samuel Sacco, Eric Beraut, Courtney Miller, Erin Toffelmier, H. Bradley Shaffer
Summary: Keystone species, such as the California Sheephead, play a critical role in regulating sea urchin abundance and maintaining the health of kelp forests. A reference genome for the California Sheephead is presented, which will serve as an important resource for conservation research in California's marine environment.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jason A. Toy, Kristy J. Kroeker, Cheryl A. Logan, Yuichiro Takeshita, Gary C. Longo, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: This study reveals the neurological impacts of acidification on a temperate fish species and suggests that natural environmental variability may mitigate the effects of ocean acidification.
Correction
Zoology
David Ross Robertson, Carlos J. Estape, Allison M. Estape, Lee Richter, Ernesto Pena, Benjamin Victor
Summary: After reviewing image plates, it was found that a misidentification occurred with an image of Rypticus subbifrenatus, which was mistakenly labeled as R. carpenter. The correction did not significantly impact the data on the ecological structure of the St. John-Thomas fauna. Additionally, an image of the blenniid fish Hypsoblennius exstochilus from St. Thomas was added to the inventory without substantial impact on the data as well.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Juliana Limon, May B. Roberts, Darrin T. Schultz, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: The mitochondrial genome of Dascyllus trimaculatus, a planktivorous damselfish, was assembled and annotated for the first time. It is 16,967 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The gene arrangement and codon usage are similar to other damselfish genomes, and phylogenetic analysis supports known evolutionary relationships.
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA PART B-RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Jason A. Toy, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: Surfperches are unique fishes with unresolved phylogenetic position. They are viviparous and lack a dispersive larval stage, making them an excellent model for studying speciation and local adaptation in the ocean. However, few molecular resources are available for this group. This study presents a highly complete reference genome for the kelp surfperch, which will be valuable for future research on evolutionary dynamics, local adaptation, and genomic potential for climate adaptation.
JOURNAL OF HEREDITY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
May B. Roberts, Darrin T. Schultz, Remy Gatins, Merly Escalona, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: In this study, the first-genome assembly of the three-spot damselfish was presented, revealing a heterozygous Robertsonian fusion karyotype and homologous chromosomes with the closely related clownfish. This assembly will be a valuable resource for population genomics and conservation research of damselfishes, as well as further studies on karyotypic diversity in this clade.
G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eric Garcia, Daniel Wright, Remy Gatins, May B. Roberts, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Eva Salas, Jei-Ying Chen, Jacob R. Winnikoff, Giacomo Bernardi
Summary: This study introduces a new metric, haplotype network branch diversity (HBd), which quantifiably compares haplotype network complexity by combining genetic and topological diversity. Results demonstrate that HBd can provide straightforward comparisons of network complexity and distinguish situations that are difficult to resolve with other available metrics.
