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Lim C, Kang JH, Bayartogtokh B, Bae YJ. Climate change will lead to range shifts and genetic diversity losses of dung beetles in the Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15639. [PMID: 38977719 PMCID: PMC11231139 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66260-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Desertification is known to be a major threat to biodiversity, yet our understanding of the consequent decline in biodiversity remains insufficient. Here, we predicted climate change-induced range shifts and genetic diversity losses in three model dung beetles: Colobopterus erraticus, Cheironitis eumenes, and Gymnopleurus mopsus, distributed across the Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe, areas known for desertification. Phylogeographic analyses of mitochondrial COI sequences and species distribution modeling, based on extensive field investigations spanning 14 years, were performed. Species confined to a single biome were predicted to contract and shift their distribution in response to climate change, whereas widespread species was predicted to expand even if affected by range shifts. We indicated that all species are expected to experience significant haplotype losses, yet the presence of high singleton frequencies and low genetic divergence across geographic configurations and lineages mitigate loss of genetic diversity. Notably, Cheironitis eumenes, a desert species with low genetic diversity, appears to be the most vulnerable to climate change due to the extensive degradation in the Gobi Desert. This is the first study to predict the response of insects to desertification in the Gobi Desert. Our findings highlight that dung beetles in the Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe might experience high rates of occupancy turnover and genetic loss, which could reshuffle the species composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changseob Lim
- Ojeong Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Korean Entomological Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyoun Kang
- Korean Entomological Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Badamdorj Bayartogtokh
- Department of Biology, School of Arts and Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Yeon Jae Bae
- Korean Entomological Institute, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Abrahamson WG, Abrahamson CR, Koontz SM, Tran EH, Menges ES, David AS. What kills the virtually immortal palms of the Florida scrub? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2023; 110:e16234. [PMID: 37661836 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.16234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Life span varies greatly across plants, with some species being capable of extreme longevity. Yet even long-lived individuals are susceptible to climatic events, fire, and other challenges. We examined rare mortality events and their causes in two long-lived palmettos over four decades. METHODS We monitored the survival of the clonal Serenoa repens and non-clonal, Florida-endemic Sabal etonia from 1981 to 2022 in four habitats along an elevational gradient within the globally imperiled Florida scrub ecosystem. We considered several challenges to palmetto survival, including extreme fires, shading due to lack of fire, droughts, periods of high precipitation, and possible pathogens. RESULTS Survival of palmettos was remarkably high, and mortality was infrequent (Serenoa: cumulative, 5.7%; annualized, 0%-0.68%; Sabal: cumulative, 3.5%; annualized, 0%-0.43%). Mortality was highest in higher-elevation habitats with greater soil drainage, and smaller palmettos were more likely to die. When subjected to extreme fire, Serenoa suffered greater mortality than Sabal. Mortality in long-unburned habitats with increased shading rivaled that which occurred with extreme fire. There was no evidence of mortality due to lethal bronzing palm disease. CONCLUSIONS Both palmettos had exceptionally low mortality rates, which, coupled with earlier work showing slow rates of transition from seedling to adult and remarkable adult longevity, suggest notably low rates of population turnover. Observed mortality in long-unburned habitats suggests the importance of fire-management planning with prescription burning. Lengthy age to reproduction and/or dependency on clonal propagation limits migration or genetic adaptation to altered conditions caused by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren G Abrahamson
- Department of Biology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, 17837, USA
- Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Drive, Venus, 33960, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Elan H Tran
- Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Drive, Venus, 33960, Florida, USA
- University of Miami, Department of Biology, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146, USA
| | - Eric S Menges
- Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Drive, Venus, 33960, Florida, USA
| | - Aaron S David
- Archbold Biological Station, 123 Main Drive, Venus, 33960, Florida, USA
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Filling the gap to avoid extinction: conservation status of Brazilian species of Epidendrum L. (Orchidaceae). J Nat Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Aspinwall MJ, Chieppa J, Gray E, Golden-Ebanks M, Davidson L. Warming impacts on photosynthetic processes in dominant plant species in a subtropical forest. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022; 174:e13654. [PMID: 35233781 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Climate warming could shift some subtropical regions to a tropical climate in the next 30 years. Yet, climate warming impacts on subtropical species and ecosystems remain unclear. We conducted a passive warming experiment in a subtropical forest in Florida, USA, to determine warming impacts on four species differing in their climatic distribution, growth form, and functional type: Serenoa repens (palm), Andropogon glomeratus (C4 grass), Pinus palustris (needled evergreen tree), and Quercus laevis (broadleaved deciduous tree). We hypothesized that warming would have neutral-positive effects on photosynthetic processes in monocot species with warmer climatic distributions or adaptations to warmer temperatures, but negative effects on photosynthesis in tree species. We also hypothesized that periods of low soil moisture would alter photosynthetic responses to warming. In both monocot species, warming had no significant effect on net photosynthesis (A) or stomatal conductance (gs ) measured at prevailing temperatures, or photosynthetic capacity measured at a common temperature. In P. palustris, warming reduced A (-15%) and gs (-28%), and caused small reductions in Rubisco carboxylation and RuBP regeneration. Warming had little effect on photosynthetic processes in Q. laevis. Interestingly, A. glomeratus showed little sensitivity to reduced soil moisture, and all C3 species reduced A and gs as soil moisture declined and did so consistently across temperature treatments. In subtropical forests of the southeastern US, we conclude that climate warming may have neutral or slightly positive effects on the performance of grasses and broadleaved species but negative effects on P. palustris seedlings, foreshadowing possible changes in community and ecosystem properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Aspinwall
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Jeff Chieppa
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Eve Gray
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Lynsae Davidson
- Department of Biology, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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Xu W, Du Q, Yan S, Cao Y, Liu X, Guan DX, Ma LQ. Geographical distribution of As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata in China: Environmental factors and climate changes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 803:149864. [PMID: 34500282 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the distribution of hyperaccumulators helps to implement more efficient phytoremediation strategies of contaminated sites, however, limited information is available. Here, we investigated the geographical distribution of the first-known arsenic-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata in China and the key factors under two climate change scenarios (SSP 1-2.6 and SSP 5-8.5) at two time points (2030 and 2070). Species distribution model (MaxEnt) was applied to examine P. vittata distribution based on 399 samples from field surveys and existing specimen records. Further, among 23 environmental factors, 11 variables were used in the MaxEnt model, including temperature, precipitation, elevation, soil property, and UV-B radiation. The results show that P. vittata can grow in ~23% of the regions in China. Specifically, it is mainly distributed in 11 provinces of southern China, including Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. Besides, eastern Sichuan, and southern Henan, Shaanxi, and Anhui are suitable for P. vittata growth. Under two climate change scenarios, P. vittata distribution in China would decrease by ~5.76-7.46 × 104 km2 in 2030 and ~3.22-4.68 × 104 km2 in 2070, with southern Henan and most Jiangsu being unsuitable for P. vittata growth. Among the 11 environmental variables, the minimum temperature of coldest month (bio6) and temperature annual range (bio7) are the two key factors limiting P. vittata distribution. At bio6 <-5 °C and/or bio7 >33 °C, the regions are unsuitable for P. vittata growth. Based on the MaxEnt model, precipitation had limited effects, so P. vittata can probably survive under both dry and moist environments. This study helps guide phytoremediation of As-polluted soils using P. vittata and provides an example to evaluate habitat suitability of hyperaccumulators at international scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wumei Xu
- Yunnan Provincial Observation and Research Station of Soil Degradation and Restoration for Cultivating Plateau Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China; Institute of Environmental Remediation and Human Health, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Qinglian Du
- Yunnan Provincial Observation and Research Station of Soil Degradation and Restoration for Cultivating Plateau Traditional Chinese Medicinal Plants, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shuang Yan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yue Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Institute of Environmental Remediation and Human Health, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Dong-Xing Guan
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lena Q Ma
- Institute of Soil and Water Resources and Environmental Science, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Marques Dracxler C, Kissling WD. The mutualism-antagonism continuum in Neotropical palm-frugivore interactions: from interaction outcomes to ecosystem dynamics. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:527-553. [PMID: 34725900 PMCID: PMC9297963 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Frugivory, that is feeding on fruits, pulp or seeds by animals, is usually considered a mutualism when interactions involve seed dispersal, and an antagonism when it results in the predation and destruction of seeds. Nevertheless, most frugivory interactions involve both benefits and disadvantages for plants, and the net interaction outcomes thus tend to vary along a continuum from mutualism to antagonism. Quantifying outcome variation is challenging and the ecological contribution of frugivorous animals to plant demography thus remains little explored. This is particularly true for interactions in which animals do not ingest entire fruits, that is in seed‐eating and pulp‐eating. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of Neotropical palm–frugivore interactions, with a focus on how frugivore consumption behaviour (i.e. digestive processing, fruit‐handling ability and caching behaviour) and feeding types (fruit‐eating, pulp‐eating and seed‐eating) influence interaction outcomes at different demographic stages of palms. We compiled a total of 1043 species‐level palm–frugivore interaction records that explicitly captured information on which parts of palm fruits are eaten by animals. These records showed consumption of fruits of 106 Neotropical palm species by 273 vertebrate species, especially birds (50%) and mammals (45%), but also fish (3%) and reptiles (2%). Fruit‐eating involved all four taxonomic vertebrate classes whereas seed‐eating and pulp‐eating were only recorded among birds and mammals. Most fruit‐eating interactions (77%) resulted in positive interaction outcomes for plants (e.g. gut‐passed seeds are viable or seeds are successfully dispersed), regardless of the digestive processing type of vertebrate consumers (seed defecation versus regurgitation). The majority of pulp‐eating interactions (91%) also resulted in positive interaction outcomes, for instance via pulp removal that promoted seed germination or via dispersal of intact palm seeds by external transport, especially if animals have a good fruit‐handling ability (e.g. primates, and some parrots). By contrast, seed‐eating interactions mostly resulted in dual outcomes (60%), where interactions had both negative effects on seed survival and positive outcomes through seed caching and external (non‐digestive) seed dispersal. A detailed synthesis of available field studies with qualitative and quantitative information provided evidence that 12 families and 27 species of mammals and birds are predominantly on the mutualistic side of the continuum whereas five mammalian families, six mammal and one reptile species are on the antagonistic side. The synthesis also revealed that most species can act as partial mutualists, even if they are typically considered antagonists. Our review demonstrates how different consumption behaviours and feeding types of vertebrate fruit consumers can influence seed dispersal and regeneration of palms, and thus ultimately affect the structure and functioning of tropical ecosystems. Variation in feeding types of animal consumers will influence ecosystem dynamics via effects on plant population dynamics and differences in long‐distance seed dispersal, and may subsequently affect ecosystem functions such as carbon storage. The quantification of intra‐ and inter‐specific variation in outcomes of plant–frugivore interactions – and their positive and negative effects on the seed‐to‐seedling transition of animal‐dispersed plants – should be a key research focus to understand better the mutualism–antagonism continuum and its importance for ecosystem dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Marques Dracxler
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, Amsterdam, 1090 GE, The Netherlands
| | - W Daniel Kissling
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, Amsterdam, 1090 GE, The Netherlands
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