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Zhang YW, Peng ZC, Chang SH, Wang ZF, Li DC, An YF, Hou FJ, Ren JZ. Long-term grazing improved soil chemical properties and benefited community traits under climatic influence in an alpine typical steppe. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 348:119184. [PMID: 37832291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119184] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Grazing and climate change both contribute to diversity loss and productivity fluctuations. Sensitive climate conditions and long-term grazing activities have a profound influence on community change, particularly in high-altitude mountain grassland ecosystems. However, knowledge about the role of long-term continuous grazing management on diversity, productivity and the regulation mechanisms in fragile grassland ecosystems is still rudimentary. We conducted a long-term grazing experiment on an alpine typical steppe in the Qilian Mountains to assess effects of grazing intensity on soil, diversity, productivity and the regulation mechanisms. Plants and soil were sampled along grazing gradients at different distances from the pasture entrance (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 km) under the non-growing (WP) and the growing season grazing pasture (SAP). The results revealed that community diversity and biomass did not change significantly on a time scale, while the concentration of soil organic carbon and total phosphorus increased significantly. Heavy grazing (0-0.3 km) decreased community diversity and biomass. Grazing increased soil chemical properties in heavy grazed areas of WP, while the opposite was recorded in SAP. Soil chemical properties explained the largest variances in community diversity and community biomass. The prediction model indicates that grazing in WP mainly affects community diversity through soil chemical properties, and promotes a positive correlation between community diversity and community biomass; in SAP, the direct effect of grazing gradients on community diversity and biomass is the main pathway, but not eliminating the single positive relationship between diversity and biomass, which means that diversity can still be used as a potential resource to promote productivity improvement. Therefore, we should focus on the regulation of soil chemical properties in WP, such as the health and quality of soil, strengthening its ability to store water, sequester carbon and increase nutrients; focus on the management of livestock in SAP, including providing fertilizer and sowing to increase diversity and production in heavily grazed regions and reducing grazing pressure through regional rotational grazing. Ultimately, we call for strengthening the stability and sustainability of ecosystems through targeted and active human intervention in ecologically sensitive areas to cope with future grazing pressures and climate disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Ze-Chen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Sheng-Hua Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Zhao-Feng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
| | - Duo-Cai Li
- Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision Liangzhou Branch, Wuwei, Gansu, PR China
| | - Yu-Feng An
- Sunan Yugu Autonomous County Deer Farm, Zhangye, Gansu, PR China
| | - Fu-Jiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China.
| | - Ji-Zhou Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Key Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry Innovation, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, PR China
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Zedler PH, Herrick BM. Catastrophic flooding effects on a Wisconsin wet prairie remnant: A shift in the disturbance regime? PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294359. [PMID: 37992070 PMCID: PMC10664900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is likely to imperil native biodiversity through the increased frequency of extreme events. Here we address the short-term effects of an extreme flooding event on an unplowed prairie reserve, the Faville Prairie Wisconsin State Natural Area. This 25-ha property is a remnant of the formerly extensive Crawfish Prairie that lay on the east bank of the Crawfish River, Jefferson County, Wisconsin USA. The Faville remnant has historically been subject to late winter to spring flooding in its lower portions. In June of 2008, however, an extreme rainfall event caused flooding unprecedented in the 87-year history of streamflow, inundating the entire site. Data were available from 180 permanently marked plots sampled in 1978-79. We assessed the change by resampling these plots in 2010-2015. At the m2 scale, we found significant losses of species richness, a result of most species having fewer occurrences than in the earlier data. There was near extinction of several important prairie species and a relative increase in wetland tolerant species. Lower elevation plots, subject to the encroachment of woody plants and the invasion of Phalaris arundinacea for decades prior to the flood, had the lowest levels of species richness. However, some prairie species survived the flooding with little change, and recent anecdotal observations show that others are rebuilding their populations. Thus, if extreme floods are infrequent, the prairie should be able to recover to its former state. If, however, the hydrological regime shifts toward more frequent, growing-season floods, we predict further decline in those plant species that were the object of the preservation of this remnant. It is critical that fire management continue along with monitoring to track species' recovery or replacement, so that corrective measures can be identified and tested to sustain the native prairie species diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul H. Zedler
- Nelson Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Bradley M. Herrick
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Arboretum, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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Wang S, Hu A, Hou F. Effect of sheep grazing on seed circulation on the Loess Plateau. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17323-17331. [PMID: 34938511 PMCID: PMC8668805 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In grazing ecosystems, mature seeds fall directly to the soil to form the soil seed bank (SSB), or are ingested by grazing livestock to become part of the dung seed bank (DSB; i.e., seed circulation). Both the SSB and DSB form the basis for the natural regeneration of vegetation. However, little is known about the relationships between the SSB, DSB, and aboveground vegetation (AGV) community under different stocking rates (SRs). This study investigated the relationships between the SSB, seeds in Tan sheep (Ovis aries) dung, and AGV at different SRs (0, 2.7, 5.3, and 8.7 sheep ha-1) in a semiarid region of the Loess Plateau in China. We found that Tan sheep grazing increased the species richness heterogeneity of grassland vegetation, and negatively influenced the density of AGV. Under natural conditions, 17 species from soil-borne seeds and 10 species from Tan sheep dung germinated. There was low species similarity between the soil and DSBs and AGV. Sheep SR and the seed banks (soil and dung) were negatively correlated with AGV. Seeds are cycled from herbage to livestock to soil during cold season grazing; the seasonal nature of this seed dispersal is an adaptation to harsh, semiarid environments. Increased seed bank diversity under sheep grazing facilitates grassland regeneration on the Loess Plateau, similarly to other semiarid regions globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu‐Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐EcosystemsKey Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry InnovationMinistry of AgricultureLanzhouChina
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and TechnologyLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - An Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐EcosystemsKey Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry InnovationMinistry of AgricultureLanzhouChina
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and TechnologyLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
| | - Fu‐Jiang Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro‐EcosystemsKey Laboratory of Grassland Livestock Industry InnovationMinistry of AgricultureLanzhouChina
- College of Pastoral Agriculture Science and TechnologyLanzhou UniversityLanzhouChina
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Reinula I, Träger S, Hernández‐Agramonte IM, Helm A, Aavik T. Landscape genetic analysis suggests stronger effects of past than current landscape structure on genetic patterns of
Primula veris. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Reinula
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Sabrina Träger
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
- Institute of Biology/Geobotany and Botanical Garden Martin‐Luther‐University Halle‐Wittenberg Halle (Saale) Germany
| | | | - Aveliina Helm
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
| | - Tsipe Aavik
- Department of Botany Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences University of Tartu Tartu Estonia
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Chandru G, Pandiyan J, Durga V, Govindarajan M, Alharbi NS, Kadaikunnan S, Khaled JM, Panneerselvam C, Krishnappa K. Seed dispersal by ungulates in the point calimere wildlife sanctuary: A scientific and perspective analysis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:2790-2797. [PMID: 32994738 PMCID: PMC7499278 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Exotic woody weed plants are a very serious threat to seed dispersed by ungulate in the tropical forest of Asia. The ungulates in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PCWS) are a significant role in native indigenous seed dispersal. The exotic woody weed tree Prosopis juliflora prevalence distributed in the PCWS and they might potentially alter the native medicinal plant species. In the present investigation, we have assessed the seed dispersal by ungulates in PCWS from January to March 2017. Four different ungulate species were selected to understand their seed dispersal rate of different plant species in selected sanctuary. This investigation was planned to confirm the seed dispersal by ungulates of blackbuck, spotted deer, wild boar and feral horse. Among the four different ungulates tested, the maximum numbers of pellets collected from blackbuck and no seed found in their pellets. The low quantities of pellets were collected from wild boar and this study has recorded medium-sized ungulates which dispersed variety of plant. However, the dispersal of the seed of medicinal plants were not considerably high and relatively moderate percentage of seeds dispersal occurred in medium-sized ungulates like wild boar and spotted deer. P. juliflora had 100% seed germination rate were observed from the faecal samples of wild boar and feral horse. The control seed achieved maximum seedling rate than the ungulates seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindaraju Chandru
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609305, India
| | - Jeganathan Pandiyan
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609305, India
| | - Vikramathithan Durga
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609305, India
| | - Marimuthu Govindarajan
- Unit of Vector Control, Phytochemistry and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India
- Department of Zoology, Government College for Women (Autonomous), Kumbakonam 612 001, Tamil Nadu, India
- Corresponding author at: Unit of Vector Control, Phytochemistry and Nanotechnology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Naiyf S. Alharbi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shine Kadaikunnan
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamal M. Khaled
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chellasamy Panneerselvam
- Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaliyamoorthy Krishnappa
- Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609305, India
- Corresponding author at: Department of Zoology and Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai 609305, India.
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Karimi S, Hemami MR, Tarkesh Esfahani M, Baltzinger C. Endozoochorous dispersal by herbivores and omnivores is mediated by germination conditions. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:49. [PMID: 32867734 PMCID: PMC7457502 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-00317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vertebrate-mediated seed dispersal is probably the main long distance dispersal mode. Through endozoochory, large mammals act as mobile links between habitats within and among forest patches. Along with other factors, their feeding regimes do affect their contribution as dispersal vectors. We conducted a cross-species comparative experiment involving two herbivores, red deer and roe deer; and two opportunistic omnivores, wild boar and brown bear, all occurring in the forest and steppe-forest ecotone habitats of the south-eastern Caspian region. We compared their role as endozoochorous seed dispersal agents by monitoring seedling emergence in their dungs under greenhouse and natural conditions. Results In total, 3078 seedlings, corresponding to 136 plant taxa sprouted from 445 paired dung sub-samples, under greenhouse and natural conditions. Only 336 seedlings, corresponding to 36 plant taxa, emerged under natural conditions, among which five taxa did not appear under greenhouse conditions. Graminoids and forbs composed 91% of the seedlings in the greenhouse whereas shrubs were more abundant under natural conditions, representing 55% of the emerged seedlings. Under greenhouse conditions, first red deer and then wild boar dispersed more species than the other two mammals, while under natural conditions brown bear was the most effective vector. We observed remarkably higher species richness and seedling abundance per dung sub-sample under buffered greenhouse conditions than we did under natural conditions. Conclusions The four sympatric mammals studied provided different seed dispersal services, both in terms of seedling abundance and species richness and may therefore be regarded as complementary. Our results highlight a positive bias when only considering germination under buffered greenhouse conditions. This must be taken into account when planning management options to benefit plant biodiversity based on the dispersal services concluded from greenhouse experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorour Karimi
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Hemami
- Department of Natural Resources, Isfahan University of Technology, 84156-83111, Isfahan, Iran.
| | | | - Christophe Baltzinger
- INRAE Val de Loire, Research Unit Forest Ecosystems, Domaine des Barres, 45290, Nogent-sur-Vernisson, France.,Centre for Invasion Biology and Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 3209, South Africa
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Juračka PJ, Declerck SAJ, Vondrák D, Beran L, Černý M, Petrusek A. A naturally heterogeneous landscape can effectively slow down the dispersal of aquatic microcrustaceans. Oecologia 2015; 180:785-96. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Albert A, Auffret AG, Cosyns E, Cousins SAO, D'hondt B, Eichberg C, Eycott AE, Heinken T, Hoffmann M, Jaroszewicz B, Malo JE, Mårell A, Mouissie M, Pakeman RJ, Picard M, Plue J, Poschlod P, Provoost S, Schulze KA, Baltzinger C. Seed dispersal by ungulates as an ecological filter: a trait-based meta-analysis. OIKOS 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.02512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Albert
- Irstea, UR EFNO, Domaine des Barres; FR-45290 Nogent-sur-Vernisson France
| | | | - Eric Cosyns
- West-Vlaamse Intercommunale; BE-8310 Bruges Belgium
| | | | - Bram D'hondt
- Dept of Biology; Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent Univ.; BE-9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Carsten Eichberg
- Faculty of Biology, Technische Univ. Darmstadt; DE-64287 Darmstadt Germany
| | - Amy E. Eycott
- Dept of Biology; Univ. of Bergen; Thormøhlensgate 53A NO-5006 Bergen Norway
| | - Thilo Heinken
- Biodiversity Research/Systematic Botany, Univ. of Potsdam; Maulbeerallee 1 DE-14469 Potsdam Germany
| | - Maurice Hoffmann
- Dept of Biology; Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent Univ.; BE-9000 Ghent Belgium
- Research Inst. for Nature and Forest; Kliniekstraat 25 BE-1070 Brussels Belgium
| | - Bogdan Jaroszewicz
- Faculty of Biology, Białowieża Geobotanical Station, Univ. of Warsaw; ul. Sportowa 19 PL-17-230 Białowieża Poland
| | - Juan E. Malo
- Depto de Ecología; Univ. Autónoma de Madrid; ES-28049 Madrid Spain
| | - Anders Mårell
- Irstea, UR EFNO, Domaine des Barres; FR-45290 Nogent-sur-Vernisson France
| | - Maarten Mouissie
- Grontmij Netherlands B.V., De Molen 48 NL-3994 DB Houten the Netherlands
| | | | - Mélanie Picard
- Irstea, UR EFNO, Domaine des Barres; FR-45290 Nogent-sur-Vernisson France
| | - Jan Plue
- Dept of Physical Geography; Stockholm Univ.; SE-106 54 Stockholm Sweden
| | - Peter Poschlod
- Inst. of Botany, Faculty of Biology and Preclinical Medicine, Univ. of Regensburg; DE-93040 Regensburg Germany
| | - Sam Provoost
- Research Inst. for Nature and Forest; Kliniekstraat 25 BE-1070 Brussels Belgium
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Auffret AG, Plue J, Cousins SAO. The spatial and temporal components of functional connectivity in fragmented landscapes. AMBIO 2015; 44 Suppl 1:S51-9. [PMID: 25576280 PMCID: PMC4289002 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-014-0588-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Connectivity is key for understanding how ecological systems respond to the challenges of land-use change and habitat fragmentation. Structural and functional connectivity are both established concepts in ecology, but the temporal component of connectivity deserves more attention. Whereas functional connectivity is often associated with spatial patterns (spatial functional connectivity), temporal functional connectivity relates to the persistence of organisms in time, in the same place. Both temporal and spatial processes determine biodiversity responses to changes in landscape structure, and it is therefore necessary that all aspects of connectivity are considered together. In this perspective, we use a case study to outline why we believe that both the spatial and temporal components of functional connectivity are important for understanding biodiversity patterns in the present-day landscape, and how they can also help us to make better-informed decisions about conserving and restoring landscapes and improving resilience to future change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair G. Auffret
- Landscape Ecology, Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Plue
- Landscape Ecology, Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara A. O. Cousins
- Landscape Ecology, Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair G. Auffret
- Landscape Ecology; Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology; Stockholm University; Stockholm 106 91 Sweden
| | - Johan Berg
- Department of Human Geography; Stockholm University; Stockholm 106 91 Sweden
| | - Sara A.O. Cousins
- Landscape Ecology; Department of Physical Geography and Quaternary Geology; Stockholm University; Stockholm 106 91 Sweden
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Abstract
Plant-animal interactions are a key component for biodiversity maintenance, but they are currently threatened by human activities. Habitat fragmentation might alter ecological interactions due to demographic changes, spatial discontinuities, and edge effects. Also, there are less evident effects of habitat fragmentation that potentially alter selective forces and compromise the fitness of the interacting species. Changes in the mutualistic and antagonistic interactions in fragmented habitats could significantly influence the plant reproductive output and the fauna assemblage associated with. Fragmented habitats may trigger contemporary evolution processes and open new evolutionary opportunities. Interacting parties with a diffuse and asymmetric relationship are less susceptible to local extinction but more prone to evolve towards new interactions or autonomy. However, highly specialized mutualisms are likely to disappear. On the other hand, ecological interactions may mutually modulate their response in fragmented habitats, especially when antagonistic interactions disrupt mutualistic ones. Ecoevolutionary issues of habitat fragmentation have been little explored, but the empiric evidence available suggests that the complex modification of ecological interactions in fragmented habitats might lead to nonanalogous communities on the long term.
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