1
|
Wang R, Kass JM, Chaudhary C, Economo EP, Guénard B. Global biogeographic regions for ants have complex relationships with those for plants and tetrapods. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5641. [PMID: 38969636 PMCID: PMC11226674 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49918-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
On a global scale, biodiversity is geographically structured into regions of biotic similarity. Delineating these regions has been mostly targeted for tetrapods and plants, but those for hyperdiverse groups such as insects are relatively unknown. Insects may have higher biogeographic congruence with plants than tetrapods due to their tight ecological and evolutionary links with the former, but it remains untested. Here, we develop a global regionalization for a major and widespread insect group, ants, based on the most comprehensive distributional and phylogenetic information to date, and examine its similarity to regionalizations for tetrapods and vascular plants. Our ant regionalization supports the newly proposed Madagascan and Sino-Japanese realms based on tetrapod delineations, and it recovers clusters observed in plants but not in tetrapods, such as the Holarctic and Indo-Pacific realms. Quantitative comparison suggests strong associations among different groups-plants showed a higher congruence with ants than with tetrapods. These results underscore the wide congruence of diverse distribution patterns across the tree of life and the similarities shared by insects and plants that are not captured by tetrapod groups. Our analysis highlights the importance of developing global biogeographic maps for insect groups to obtain a more comprehensive geographic picture of life on Earth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runxi Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jamie M Kass
- Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
- Macroecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Chhaya Chaudhary
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
| | - Evan P Economo
- Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Benoit Guénard
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fan H, Liu T, Chen Y, Liao Z, Chen J, Hu Y, Qiao G, Wei F. Geographical patterns and determinants of insect biodiversity in China. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1255-1265. [PMID: 38407773 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2483-0] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Insects play important roles in the maintenance of ecosystem functioning and the provision of livelihoods for millions of people. However, compared with terrestrial vertebrates and angiosperms, such as the giant panda, crested ibis, and the metasequoia, insect conservation has not attracted enough attention, and a basic understanding of the geographical biodiversity patterns for major components of insects in China is lacking. Herein, we investigated the geographical distribution of insect biodiversity across multiple dimensions (taxonomic, genetic, and phylogenetic diversity) based on the spatial distribution and molecular DNA sequencing data of insects. Our analysis included 18 orders, 360 families, 5,275 genera, and 14,115 species of insects. The results revealed that Southwestern and Southeastern China harbored higher insect biodiversity and numerous older lineages, representing a museum, whereas regions located in Northwestern China harbored lower insect biodiversity and younger lineages, serving as an evolutionary cradle. We also observed that mean annual temperature and precipitation had significantly positive effects, whereas altitude had significantly negative effects on insect biodiversity in most cases. Moreover, cultivated vegetation harbored the highest insect taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, and needleleaf and broadleaf mixed forests harbored the highest insect genetic diversity. These results indicated that human activities may positively contribute to insect spatial diversity on a regional scale. Our study fills a knowledge gap in insect spatial diversity in China. These findings could help guide national-level conservation plans and the post-2020 biodiversity conservation framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huizhong Fan
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tongyi Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Youhua Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & China-Croatia "Belt and Road" Joint Laboratory on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ziyan Liao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mountain Ecological Restoration and Bioresource Utilization & China-Croatia "Belt and Road" Joint Laboratory on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yibo Hu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Gexia Qiao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Fuwen Wei
- Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology, College of Forestry, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, 330045, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Karimi N, Hanes MM. Patterns of Grewia (Malvaceae) diversity across geographical scales in Africa and Madagascar. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2024; 133:773-788. [PMID: 38243607 PMCID: PMC11082522 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Quantifying spatial species richness is useful to describe biodiversity patterns across broad geographical areas, especially in large, poorly known plant groups. We explore patterns and predictors of species richness across Africa in one such group, the palaeotropical genus Grewia L. (Malvaceae). METHODS Grewia species richness was quantified by extracting herbarium records from GBIF and Tropicos and creating geographical grids at varying spatial scales. We assessed predictors of species richness using spatial regression models with 30 environmental variables. We explored species co-occurrence in Madagascar at finer resolutions using Schoener's index and compared species range sizes and International Union for Conservation of Nature status among ecoregions. Lastly, we derived a trait matrix for a subset of species found in Madagascar to characterize morphological diversity across space. KEY RESULTS Grewia species occur in 50 countries in Africa, with the highest number of species in Madagascar (93, with 80 species endemic). Species richness is highest in Madagascar, with ≤23 Grewia species in a grid cell, followed by coastal Tanzania/Kenya (≤13 species) and northern South Africa and central Angola (11 species each). Across Africa, higher species richness was predicted by variables related to aridity. In Madagascar, a greater range in environmental variables best predicted species richness, consistent with geographical grid cells of highest species richness occurring near biome/ecoregion transitions. In Madagascar, we also observe increasing dissimilarity in species composition with increasing geographical distance. CONCLUSIONS The spatial patterns and underlying environmental predictors that we uncover in Grewia represent an important step in our understanding of plant distribution and diversity patterns across Africa. Madagascar boasts nearly twice the Grewia species richness of the second most species-rich country in Africa, which might be explained by complex topography and environmental conditions across small spatial scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nisa Karimi
- Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Margaret M Hanes
- Department of Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wong MKL, McRae JM. Leptanillavoldemort sp. nov., a gracile new species of the hypogaeic ant genus Leptanilla (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) from the Pilbara, with a key to Australian Leptanilla. Zookeys 2024; 1197:171-182. [PMID: 38651116 PMCID: PMC11033553 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1197.114072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Leptanilla Emery, 1870 of the family Formicidae, subfamily Leptanillinae, comprises miniscule, pale, blind ants that are rarely collected and poorly understood due to their hypogaeic (i.e. underground) lifestyles. Here we describe a new Leptanilla species from two workers collected via subterranean scraping in the arid Pilbara region of Western Australia. Leptanillavoldemortsp. nov. is the second leptanilline species documented in Australia after the elusive Leptanillaswani Wheeler, 1932. Workers of L.voldemortsp. nov. display a remarkably gracile morphology characterised by elongated legs, antennae, and mandibles, and they are easily differentiated from other Leptanilla species. We also provide new measurements for L.swani from two workers found proximally to the type locality of L.voldemortsp. nov. A key to the worker caste of Leptanilla species of the Australian continent is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark K. L. Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, AustraliaThe University of Western AustraliaCrawleyAustralia
- Centre for Environment and Life Sciences, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Floreat, WA 6014, AustraliaCentre for Environment and Life Sciences, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganizationFloreatAustralia
| | - Jane M. McRae
- Bennelongia Environmental Consultants, 5 Bishop Street, Jolimont, WA 6014, AustraliaBennelongia Environmental ConsultantsJolimontAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zeng X, Gao H, Wang R, Majcher BM, Woon JS, Wenda C, Eggleton P, Griffiths HM, Ashton LA. Global contribution of invertebrates to forest litter decomposition. Ecol Lett 2024; 27:e14423. [PMID: 38584578 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14423] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Forest litter decomposition is an essential component of global carbon and nutrient turnover. Invertebrates play important roles in litter decomposition, but the regional pattern of their effects is poorly understood. We examined 476 case studies across 93 sites and performed a meta-analysis to estimate regional effects of invertebrates on forest litter decomposition. We then assessed how invertebrate diversity, climate and soil pH drive regional variations in invertebrate-mediated decomposition. We found that (1) invertebrate contributions to litter decomposition are 1.4 times higher in tropical and subtropical forests than in forests elsewhere, with an overall contribution of 31% to global forest litter decomposition; and (2) termite diversity, together with warm, humid and acidic environments in the tropics and subtropics are positively associated with forest litter decomposition by invertebrates. Our results demonstrate the significant difference in invertebrate effects on mediating forest litter decomposition among regions. We demonstrate, also, the significance of termites in driving litter mass loss in the tropics and subtropics. These results are particularly pertinent in the tropics and subtropics where climate change and human disturbance threaten invertebrate biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zeng
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huilin Gao
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Runxi Wang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bartosz M Majcher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joel S Woon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | - Cheng Wenda
- School of Ecology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Paul Eggleton
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London, UK
| | | | - Louise A Ashton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kass JM, Fukaya K, Thuiller W, Mori AS. Biodiversity modeling advances will improve predictions of nature's contributions to people. Trends Ecol Evol 2024; 39:338-348. [PMID: 37968219 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Accurate predictions of ecosystem functions and nature's contributions to people (NCP) are needed to prioritize environmental protection and restoration in the Anthropocene. However, our ability to predict NCP is undermined by approaches that rely on biophysical variables and ignore those describing biodiversity, which have strong links to NCP. To foster predictive mapping of NCP, we should harness the latest methods in biodiversity modeling. This field advances rapidly, and new techniques with promising applications for predicting NCP are still underutilized. Here, we argue that employing recent advances in biodiversity modeling can enhance the accuracy and scope of NCP maps and predictions. This enhancement will contribute significantly to the achievement of global objectives to preserve NCP, for both the present and an unpredictable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Kass
- Macroecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan.
| | - Keiichi Fukaya
- Biodiversity Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Wilfried Thuiller
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Université Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LECA, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Akira S Mori
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luo A, Li Y, Shrestha N, Xu X, Su X, Li Y, Lyu T, Waris K, Tang Z, Liu X, Lin L, Chen Y, Zu K, Song W, Peng S, Zimmermann NE, Pellissier L, Wang Z. Global multifaceted biodiversity patterns, centers, and conservation needs in angiosperms. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:817-828. [PMID: 38217639 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2430-2] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The Convention on Biological Diversity seeks to conserve at least 30% of global land and water areas by 2030, which is a challenge but also an opportunity to better preserve biodiversity, including flowering plants (angiosperms). Herein, we compiled a large database on distributions of over 300,000 angiosperm species and the key functional traits of 67,024 species. Using this database, we constructed biodiversity-environment models to predict global patterns of taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity in terrestrial angiosperms and provide a comprehensive mapping of the three diversity facets. We further evaluated the current protection status of the biodiversity centers of these diversity facets. Our results showed that geographical patterns of the three facets of plant diversity exhibited substantial spatial mismatches and nonoverlapping conservation priorities. Idiosyncratic centers of functional diversity, particularly of herbaceous species, were primarily distributed in temperate regions and under weaker protection compared with other biodiversity centers of taxonomic and phylogenetic facets. Our global assessment of multifaceted biodiversity patterns and centers highlights the insufficiency and unbalanced conservation among the three diversity facets and the two growth forms (woody vs. herbaceous), thus providing directions for guiding the future conservation of global plant diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Luo
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yaoqi Li
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Nawal Shrestha
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiaoting Xu
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Xiangyan Su
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing, 100035, China
| | - Yichao Li
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Tong Lyu
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Kilara Waris
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Zhiyao Tang
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xiaojuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Luxiang Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yongsheng Chen
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Kuiling Zu
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Shijia Peng
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Niklaus E Zimmermann
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, 8903, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Pellissier
- Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, Birmensdorf, 8903, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, 8092, Switzerland
| | - Zhiheng Wang
- Institute of Ecology and Key Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes of the Ministry of Education, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aulus-Giacosa L, Ollier S, Bertelsmeier C. Non-native ants are breaking down biogeographic boundaries and homogenizing community assemblages. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2266. [PMID: 38480710 PMCID: PMC10937723 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46359-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
As geographic distance increases, species assemblages become more distinct, defining global biogeographic realms with abrupt biogeographic boundaries. Yet, it remains largely unknown to what extent these realms may change because of human-mediated dispersal of species. Focusing on the distributions of 309 non-native ant species, we show that historical biogeographic patterns have already broken down into tropical versus non-tropical regions. Importantly, we demonstrate that these profound changes are not limited to the distribution patterns of non-native ants but fundamentally alter biogeographic boundaries of all ant biodiversity (13,774 species). In total, 52% of ant assemblages have become more similar, supporting a global trend of biotic homogenization. Strikingly, this trend was strongest on islands and in the tropics, which harbor some of the most vulnerable ecosystems. Overall, we show that the pervasive anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity override biogeographic patterns resulting from millions of years of evolution, and disproportionally affect particular regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Aulus-Giacosa
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, UNIL - Sorge, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Sébastien Ollier
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, UNIL - Sorge, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Université Paris - Saclay, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Ecologie Systématique Evolution, 91405, Orsay, France
| | - Cleo Bertelsmeier
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, UNIL - Sorge, University of Lausanne, 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Patten NN, Gaynor ML, Soltis DE, Soltis PS. Geographic And Taxonomic Occurrence R-based Scrubbing (gatoRs): An R package and workflow for processing biodiversity data. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2024; 12:e11575. [PMID: 38638614 PMCID: PMC11022233 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Premise Digitized biodiversity data offer extensive information; however, obtaining and processing biodiversity data can be daunting. Complexities arise during data cleaning, such as identifying and removing problematic records. To address these issues, we created the R package Geographic And Taxonomic Occurrence R-based Scrubbing (gatoRs). Methods and Results The gatoRs workflow includes functions that streamline downloading records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio). We also created functions to clean downloaded specimen records. Unlike previous R packages, gatoRs accounts for differences in download structure between GBIF and iDigBio and allows for user control via interactive cleaning steps. Conclusions Our pipeline enables the scientific community to process biodiversity data efficiently and is accessible to the R coding novice. We anticipate that gatoRs will be useful for both established and beginning users. Furthermore, we expect our package will facilitate the introduction of biodiversity-related concepts into the classroom via the use of herbarium specimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie N. Patten
- Department of MathematicsUniversity of FloridaGainesville32611FloridaUSA
- Present address:
Department of MathematicsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbus43210OhioUSA
| | - Michelle L. Gaynor
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesville32611FloridaUSA
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesville32611FloridaUSA
| | - Douglas E. Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesville32611FloridaUSA
- Department of BiologyUniversity of FloridaGainesville32611FloridaUSA
| | - Pamela S. Soltis
- Florida Museum of Natural HistoryUniversity of FloridaGainesville32611FloridaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhao R, He Q, Chu X, He A, Zhang Y, Zhu Z. Regional environmental differences significantly affect the genetic structure and genetic differentiation of Carpinus tientaiensis Cheng, an endemic and extremely endangered species from China. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1277173. [PMID: 38405582 PMCID: PMC10885731 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1277173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Differences in topography and environment greatly affect the genetic structure and genetic differentiation of species, and endemic or endangered species with limited geographic ranges seem to be more sensitive to changes in climate and other environmental factors. The complex topography of eastern China is likely to affect genetic differentiation of plants there. Carpinus tientaiensis Cheng is a native and endangered plants from China, and exploring its genetic diversity has profound significance for protection and the collection of germplasm resources. Based on AFLP markers, this study found that C. tientaiensis has low genetic diversity, which mainly came from within populations, while Shangshantou and Tiantai Mountain populations have relatively high genetic diversity. The Nei genetic distance was closely related to geographical distance, and temperature and precipitation notablely affected the genetic variation and genetic differentiation of C. tientaiensis. Based on cpDNA, this study indicated that C. tientaiensis exhibits a moderate level of genetic diversity, and which mainly came from among populations, while Tiantai Mountain population have the highest genetic diversity. It demonstrated that there was genetic differentiation between populations, which can be divided into two independent geographical groups, but there was no significant phylogeographic structure between them. The MaxEnt model showed that climate change significantly affects its distribution, and the suitable distribution areas in Zhejiang were primarily divided into two regions, eastern Zhejiang and southern Zhejiang, and there was niche differentiation in its suitable distribution areas. Therefore, this study speculated that the climate and the terrain of mountains and hills in East China jointly shape the genetic structure of C. tientaiensis, which gived rise to an obvious north-south differentiation trend of these species, and the populations located in the hilly areas of eastern Zhejiang and the mountainous areas of southern Zhejiang formed two genetic branches respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runan Zhao
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianqian He
- Research Center for Urban and Rural Living Environment, Zhijiang College of Zhejiang University of Technology, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xiaojie Chu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Anguo He
- Administration of Zhejiang Dapanshan National Nature Reserve, Pan’an, China
| | - Yuanlan Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zunling Zhu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Jinpu Research Institute, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dorey JB, Fischer EE, Chesshire PR, Nava-Bolaños A, O'Reilly RL, Bossert S, Collins SM, Lichtenberg EM, Tucker EM, Smith-Pardo A, Falcon-Brindis A, Guevara DA, Ribeiro B, de Pedro D, Pickering J, Hung KLJ, Parys KA, McCabe LM, Rogan MS, Minckley RL, Velazco SJE, Griswold T, Zarrillo TA, Jetz W, Sica YV, Orr MC, Guzman LM, Ascher JS, Hughes AC, Cobb NS. A globally synthesised and flagged bee occurrence dataset and cleaning workflow. Sci Data 2023; 10:747. [PMID: 37919303 PMCID: PMC10622554 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02626-w] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Species occurrence data are foundational for research, conservation, and science communication, but the limited availability and accessibility of reliable data represents a major obstacle, particularly for insects, which face mounting pressures. We present BeeBDC, a new R package, and a global bee occurrence dataset to address this issue. We combined >18.3 million bee occurrence records from multiple public repositories (GBIF, SCAN, iDigBio, USGS, ALA) and smaller datasets, then standardised, flagged, deduplicated, and cleaned the data using the reproducible BeeBDC R-workflow. Specifically, we harmonised species names (following established global taxonomy), country names, and collection dates and, we added record-level flags for a series of potential quality issues. These data are provided in two formats, "cleaned" and "flagged-but-uncleaned". The BeeBDC package with online documentation provides end users the ability to modify filtering parameters to address their research questions. By publishing reproducible R workflows and globally cleaned datasets, we can increase the accessibility and reliability of downstream analyses. This workflow can be implemented for other taxa to support research and conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James B Dorey
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Rd, Bedford Park, 5042, SA, Australia.
| | - Erica E Fischer
- Centre for the History of Science, Technology, and Medicine, Department of History, King's College London, Strand, WC2R 2LS, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paige R Chesshire
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, S Beaver St, Flagstaff, 86011, AZ, USA
| | - Angela Nava-Bolaños
- Unidad Multidisciplinaria de Docencia e Investigación, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla, Jurica La Mesa, Juriquilla, 76230, Querétaro, México
| | - Robert L O'Reilly
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Sturt Rd, Bedford Park, 5042, SA, Australia
| | - Silas Bossert
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Dairy Rd, Pullman, 99164-6382, WA, USA
- Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, 10th and Constitution Avenue, Washington, 20560, DC, USA
| | - Shannon M Collins
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, W Mulberry St, Denton, 76201, TX, USA
| | - Elinor M Lichtenberg
- Department of Biological Sciences and Advanced Environmental Research Institute, University of North Texas, W Mulberry St, Denton, 76201, TX, USA
| | - Erika M Tucker
- Biodiversity Outreach Network, W Silver Spruce Ave, Flagstaff, 86001, AZ, USA
| | - Allan Smith-Pardo
- Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ); Science and Technology (S&T); Pest Identification Technology laboratory (PITL) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), St. Suite, Sacramento, CA, 95814, USA
| | - Armando Falcon-Brindis
- Department of Entomology, Research and Education Center, University of Kentucky, University Dr, Lexington, KY, 42445, USA
| | - Diego A Guevara
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Nacionalde Colombia, Bogotá, Cra 45 #268-5, D.C., Colombia
| | - Bruno Ribeiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Av, Esperança, 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | - Diego de Pedro
- Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education, Carr. Tijuana-Ensenada, Zona Playitas, 22860, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | | | - Keng-Lou James Hung
- Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, Chesapeake St, Norman, 73019, OK, USA
| | - Katherine A Parys
- USDA ARS Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystems Research Unit, Experiment Station Rd, Stoneville, 38776, MS, USA
| | - Lindsie M McCabe
- USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects-Research Unit, Old Main Hill, Logan, 84322, UT, USA
| | - Matthew S Rogan
- Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, Prospect St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, Prospect St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
| | - Robert L Minckley
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, 14620, NY, USA
| | - Santiago J E Velazco
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
| | - Terry Griswold
- USDA-ARS Pollinating Insects-Research Unit, Old Main Hill, Logan, 84322, UT, USA
| | - Tracy A Zarrillo
- The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, Huntington St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
| | - Walter Jetz
- Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, Prospect St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, Prospect St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
| | - Yanina V Sica
- Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, Yale University, Prospect St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, Prospect St, New Haven, 06511, CT, USA
| | - Michael C Orr
- Entomologie, Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, Rosenstein, Stuttgart, 70191, Baden, Württemberg, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Laura Melissa Guzman
- Marine and Environmental Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Trousdale Pkwy, Los Angeles, 90089-0371, CA, USA
| | - John S Ascher
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Science Dr, 117558, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alice C Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Rd, Lung Fu Shan, Hong Kong
| | - Neil S Cobb
- Biodiversity Outreach Network, W Silver Spruce Ave, Flagstaff, 86001, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Müller J, Mitesser O, Schaefer HM, Seibold S, Busse A, Kriegel P, Rabl D, Gelis R, Arteaga A, Freile J, Leite GA, de Melo TN, LeBien J, Campos-Cerqueira M, Blüthgen N, Tremlett CJ, Böttger D, Feldhaar H, Grella N, Falconí-López A, Donoso DA, Moriniere J, Buřivalová Z. Soundscapes and deep learning enable tracking biodiversity recovery in tropical forests. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6191. [PMID: 37848442 PMCID: PMC10582010 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41693-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropical forest recovery is fundamental to addressing the intertwined climate and biodiversity loss crises. While regenerating trees sequester carbon relatively quickly, the pace of biodiversity recovery remains contentious. Here, we use bioacoustics and metabarcoding to measure forest recovery post-agriculture in a global biodiversity hotspot in Ecuador. We show that the community composition, and not species richness, of vocalizing vertebrates identified by experts reflects the restoration gradient. Two automated measures - an acoustic index model and a bird community composition derived from an independently developed Convolutional Neural Network - correlated well with restoration (adj-R² = 0.62 and 0.69, respectively). Importantly, both measures reflected composition of non-vocalizing nocturnal insects identified via metabarcoding. We show that such automated monitoring tools, based on new technologies, can effectively monitor the success of forest recovery, using robust and reproducible data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Müller
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstr. 5, 96181, Rauhenebrach, Germany.
- Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyungerstr. 2, 94481, Grafenau, Germany.
| | - Oliver Mitesser
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstr. 5, 96181, Rauhenebrach, Germany
| | - H Martin Schaefer
- Fundación Jocotoco, Valladolid N24-414 y Luis Cordero, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sebastian Seibold
- Technical University of Munich, School of Life Sciences, Ecosystem Dynamics and Forest Management Research Group, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
- Berchtesgaden National Park, Doktorberg 6, Berchtesgaden, 83471, Germany
| | - Annika Busse
- Saxon-Switzerland National Park, An der Elbe 4, 01814, Bad Schandau, Germany
| | - Peter Kriegel
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstr. 5, 96181, Rauhenebrach, Germany
| | - Dominik Rabl
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstr. 5, 96181, Rauhenebrach, Germany
| | - Rudy Gelis
- Yanayacu Research Center, Cosanga, Ecuador
| | | | - Juan Freile
- Pasaje El Moro E4-216 y Norberto Salazar, EC 170902, Tumbaco, DMQ, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel Augusto Leite
- Rainforest Connection, Science Department, 440 Cobia Drive, Suite 1902, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | | | - Jack LeBien
- Rainforest Connection, Science Department, 440 Cobia Drive, Suite 1902, Katy, TX, 77494, USA
| | | | - Nico Blüthgen
- Ecological Networks Lab, Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Constance J Tremlett
- Ecological Networks Lab, Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Dennis Böttger
- Phyletisches Museum, Institute for Zoology and Evolutionary Research, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Heike Feldhaar
- Animal Population Ecology, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Nina Grella
- Animal Population Ecology, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ana Falconí-López
- Field Station Fabrikschleichach, Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Glashüttenstr. 5, 96181, Rauhenebrach, Germany
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud-BIOMAS-Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - David A Donoso
- Grupo de Investigación en Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Salud-BIOMAS-Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Av. Ladrón de Guevara E11-253, CP 17-01-2759, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jerome Moriniere
- AIM - Advanced Identification Methods GmbH, Niemeyerstr. 1, 04179, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Zuzana Buřivalová
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Forest and Wildlife Ecology and The Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, 1630 Linden Drive, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mayer VE, Voglmayr H, Blatrix R, Orivel J, Leroy C. Fungi as mutualistic partners in ant-plant interactions. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2023; 4:1213997. [PMID: 37850069 PMCID: PMC10577302 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2023.1213997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Associations between fungi and ants living in mutualistic relationship with plants ("plant-ants") have been known for a long time. However, only in recent years has the mutualistic nature, frequency, and geographical extent of associations between tropical arboreal ants with fungi of the ascomycete order Chaetothyriales and Capnodiales (belonging to the so-called "Black Fungi") become clear. Two groups of arboreal ants displaying different nesting strategies are associated with ascomycete fungi: carton-building ants that construct nest walls and galleries on stems, branches or below leaves which are overgrown by fungal hyphae, and plant-ants that make their nests inside living plants (myrmecophytes) in plant provided cavities (domatia) where ants cultivate fungi in small delimited "patches". In this review we summarize the current knowledge about these unsuspected plant-ant-fungus interactions. The data suggest, that at least some of these ant-associated fungi seem to have coevolved with ants over a long period of time and have developed specific adaptations to this lifestyle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika E. Mayer
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research – Division of Structural and Functional Botany, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Hermann Voglmayr
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research – Mycology Research Group, University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Rumsais Blatrix
- CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Jérôme Orivel
- EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Kourou, France
| | - Céline Leroy
- EcoFoG, AgroParisTech, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, Université des Antilles, Université de Guyane, Kourou, France
- AMAP, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
French CM, Bertola LD, Carnaval AC, Economo EP, Kass JM, Lohman DJ, Marske KA, Meier R, Overcast I, Rominger AJ, Staniczenko PPA, Hickerson MJ. Global determinants of insect mitochondrial genetic diversity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5276. [PMID: 37644003 PMCID: PMC10465557 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40936-0] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding global patterns of genetic diversity is essential for describing, monitoring, and preserving life on Earth. To date, efforts to map macrogenetic patterns have been restricted to vertebrates, which comprise only a small fraction of Earth's biodiversity. Here, we construct a global map of predicted insect mitochondrial genetic diversity from cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequences, derived from open data. We calculate the mitochondrial genetic diversity mean and genetic diversity evenness of insect assemblages across the globe, identify their environmental correlates, and make predictions of mitochondrial genetic diversity levels in unsampled areas based on environmental data. Using a large single-locus genetic dataset of over 2 million globally distributed and georeferenced mtDNA sequences, we find that mitochondrial genetic diversity evenness follows a quadratic latitudinal gradient peaking in the subtropics. Both mitochondrial genetic diversity mean and evenness positively correlate with seasonally hot temperatures, as well as climate stability since the last glacial maximum. Our models explain 27.9% and 24.0% of the observed variation in mitochondrial genetic diversity mean and evenness in insects, respectively, making an important step towards understanding global biodiversity patterns in the most diverse animal taxon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connor M French
- Biology Department, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Laura D Bertola
- Biology Department, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Section for Computational and RNA Biology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, N 2200, Denmark
| | - Ana C Carnaval
- Biology Department, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Evan P Economo
- Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Jamie M Kass
- Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
- Macroecology Laboratory, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - David J Lohman
- Biology Department, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Entomology Section, National Museum of Natural History, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Rudolf Meier
- Institut für Biologie, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isaac Overcast
- Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Institut de Biologie de l'Ecole Normale Superieure, Paris, France
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew J Rominger
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
- Maine Center for Genetics in the Environment, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | | | - Michael J Hickerson
- Biology Department, City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Biology Ph.D. Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Invertebrate Zoology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Anthony MA, Bender SF, van der Heijden MGA. Enumerating soil biodiversity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304663120. [PMID: 37549278 PMCID: PMC10437432 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304663120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil is an immense habitat for diverse organisms across the tree of life, but just how many organisms live in soil is surprisingly unknown. Previous efforts to enumerate soil biodiversity consider only certain types of organisms (e.g., animals) or report values for diverse groups without partitioning species that live in soil versus other habitats. Here, we reviewed the biodiversity literature to show that soil is likely home to 59 ± 15% of the species on Earth. We therefore estimate an approximately two times greater soil biodiversity than previous estimates, and we include representatives from the simplest (microbial) to most complex (mammals) organisms. Enchytraeidae have the greatest percentage of species in soil (98.6%), followed by fungi (90%), Plantae (85.5%), and Isoptera (84.2%). Our results demonstrate that soil is the most biodiverse singular habitat. By using this estimate of soil biodiversity, we can more accurately and quantitatively advocate for soil organismal conservation and restoration as a central goal of the Anthropocene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Anthony
- Plant-Soil Interactions Unit, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Zürich8046, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Forest Dynamics Research Unit, Birmensdorf8903, Switzerland
| | - S. Franz Bender
- Plant-Soil Interactions Unit, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Zürich8046, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zürich, Zürich8008, Switzerland
| | - Marcel G. A. van der Heijden
- Plant-Soil Interactions Unit, Research Division Agroecology and Environment, Agroscope, Zürich8046, Switzerland
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Zürich, Zürich8008, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Das GN, Fric ZF, Panthee S, Irungbam JS, Konvicka M. Geography of Indian Butterflies: Patterns Revealed by Checklists of Federal States. INSECTS 2023; 14:549. [PMID: 37367366 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Butterflies are widely used to analyze biogeographical patterns, both at the global and regional scales. Thus far, most of the latter originated from well-surveyed northern regions, while the species-rich tropical areas lag due to a lack of appropriate data. We used checklists of 1379 butterfly species recorded in 36 federal states of the Republic of India (1) to explore the basic macroecological rules, and (2) to relate species richness and the distribution of endemics and geographic elements to geography, climate, land covers and socioeconomic conditions of the states. The area, land covers diversity and latitude did not affect species richness, whereas topographic diversity and the precipitation/temperature ratio (energy availability) were positive predictors. This is due the geographic and climatic idiosyncrasies of the Indian subcontinent, with its highest species richness in the small, densely forested mountainous northeast that receives summer monsoons. The peninsular effect that decreases the richness towards the tip of subcontinent is counterbalanced by the mountainous forested Western Ghats. Afrotropical elements are associated with savannahs, while Palearctic elements are associated with treeless habitats. The bulk of Indian butterfly richness, and the highest conservation priorities, overlap with global biodiversity hotspots, but the mountainous states of the Western Himalayas and the savannah states of peninsular India host distinctive faunas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaurab Nandi Das
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Entomology, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Faltynek Fric
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Entomology, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Shristee Panthee
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Mengla 666303, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | | | - Martin Konvicka
- Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Entomology, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hughes AC. Developing Biodiversity Baselines to Develop and Implement Future Conservation Targets. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2291. [PMID: 37375916 DOI: 10.3390/plants12122291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
With the recent launch of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework (GBF), and the associated monitoring framework, understanding the framework and data needed to support it is crucial. Unfortunately, whilst the monitoring framework was meant to provide key data to monitor progress towards goals and targets, most indicators are too unclear for detection or marking progress. The most common datasets for this task, such as the IUCN redlist of species, have major spatial inaccuracies, and lack the temporal resolution to track progress, whilst point-based datasets lack data from many regions, in addition to species coverage. Utilising existing data will require the careful use of existing data, such as the use of inventories and projecting richness patterns, or filling data gaps before developing species-level models and assessments. As high-resolution data fall outside the scope of explicit indicators within the monitoring framework, using essential biodiversity variables within GEOBON (which are noted in the prelude of the monitoring framework) as a vehicle for data aggregation provides a mechanism for collating the necessary high-resolution data. Ultimately developing effective targets for conservation will require better species data, for which National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs) and novel mechanisms for data mobilisation will be necessary. Furthermore, capitalising on climate targets and climate biodiversity synergies within the GBF provides an additional means for developing meaningful targets, trying to develop urgently needed data to monitor biodiversity trends, prioritising meaningful tasks, and tracking our progress towards biodiversity targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Hughes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Glaubrecht M. On the end of evolution – Humankind and the annihilation of species. ZOOL SCR 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Glaubrecht
- Department of Biodiversity of Animals Universität Hamburg Hamburg Germany
- Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) Zoological Museum Hamburg Hamburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The global spread and invasion capacities of alien ants. Curr Biol 2023; 33:566-571.e3. [PMID: 36610395 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Many alien species are neither cultivated nor traded but spread unintentionally, and their global movements, capacities to invade ecosystems, and susceptibility to detection by biosecurity measures are poorly known.1,2,3,4 We addressed these key knowledge gaps for ants, a ubiquitous group of stowaway and contaminant organisms that include some of the world's most damaging invasive species.5,6,7,8,9,10 We assembled a dataset of over 146,000 occurrence records to comprehensively map the human-mediated spread of 520 alien ant species across 525 regions globally. From descriptions of the environments in which species were collected within individual regions-such as in imported cargoes, buildings, and outdoor settings-we determined whether different barriers to invasion had been overcome11 and classified alien ant species under three levels of invasion capacity corresponding to increasing biosecurity threat. We found that alien species of different invasion capacities had different sources and sinks globally. For instance, although the diversity of indoor-confined species peaked in the Palearctic realm, that of species able to establish outdoors peaked in the Nearctic and Oceanian realms, and these mainly originated from the Neotropical and Oriental realms. We also found that border interceptions worldwide missed two-thirds of alien species with naturalization capacity, many associated with litter and soil. Our study documents the vast spread of alien ants globally while highlighting avenues for more targeted biosecurity responses, such as prioritizing the screening of imports from regions that are diversity hotspots for species of high invasion capacity and improving the detection of cryptic alien invertebrates dwelling in substrates.
Collapse
|
20
|
Peres CA, Campos-Silva J, Ritter CD. Environmental policy at a critical junction in the Brazilian Amazon. Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:113-116. [PMID: 36528414 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Wholesale conversion of natural Amazonian ecosystems has been encouraged by Brazil's extreme antienvironmental government, and historical forest loss explains municipal-scale voting prevalence. Embracing a new administration would strengthen local-to-regional governance, suppress illegal land grabbing, deforestation, logging, and gold mining, thereby protecting the world's most species-rich forest domain and ensuring global sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos A Peres
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK; Instituto Juruá, Manaus, Brazil.
| | - João Campos-Silva
- Instituto Juruá, Manaus, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Camila Duarte Ritter
- Instituto Juruá, Manaus, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Oliver PM, Bower DS, McDonald PJ, Kraus F, Luedtke J, Neam K, Hobin L, Chauvenet ALM, Allison A, Arida E, Clulow S, Günther R, Nagombi E, Tjaturadi B, Travers SL, Richards SJ. Melanesia holds the world's most diverse and intact insular amphibian fauna. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1182. [PMID: 36333588 PMCID: PMC9636264 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying hotspots of biological diversity is a key step in conservation prioritisation. Melanesia-centred on the vast island of New Guinea-is increasingly recognised for its exceptionally species-rich and endemic biota. Here we show that Melanesia has the world's most diverse insular amphibian fauna, with over 7% of recognised global frog species in less than 0.7% of the world's land area, and over 97% of species endemic. We further estimate that nearly 200 additional candidate species have been discovered but remain unnamed, pointing to a total fauna in excess of 700 species. Nearly 60% of the Melanesian frog fauna is in a lineage of direct-developing microhylids characterised by smaller distributions than co-occurring frog families, suggesting lineage-specific high beta diversity is a key driver of Melanesian anuran megadiversity. A comprehensive conservation status assessment further highlights geographic concentrations of recently described range-restricted threatened taxa that warrant urgent conservation actions. Nonetheless, by world standards, the Melanesian frog fauna is relatively intact, with 6% of assessed species listed as threatened and no documented extinctions; and thus it provides an unparalleled opportunity to understand and conserve a megadiverse and relatively intact insular biota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Oliver
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, 4121, Australia.
- Biodiversity and Geosciences Program, Queensland Museum, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia.
| | - Deborah S Bower
- Zoology Discipline, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Peter J McDonald
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, Alice Springs, NT, 0870, Australia
| | - Fred Kraus
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer Luedtke
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario, M8W 1P5, Canada
- Re:wild, P.O. Box 129, Austin, Texas, 78767, USA
| | - Kelsey Neam
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario, M8W 1P5, Canada
- Re:wild, P.O. Box 129, Austin, Texas, 78767, USA
| | - Louise Hobin
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario, M8W 1P5, Canada
| | - Alienor L M Chauvenet
- Centre for Planetary Health and Food Security, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, 4121, Australia
| | - Allen Allison
- Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI, 96817, USA
| | - Evy Arida
- Division of Zoology, Research Center for Biology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Cibinong, Indonesia
| | - Simon Clulow
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | | | - Elizah Nagombi
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Burhan Tjaturadi
- Center for Environmental Studies, Sanata Dharma University (CESSDU), Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Scott L Travers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Stephen J Richards
- IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group, 3701 Lake Shore Blvd W, P.O. Box 48586, Toronto, Ontario, M8W 1P5, Canada
- Herpetology Department, South Australian Museum, Adelaide, S.A., 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Improving estimates of global ant biomass and abundance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2214825119. [PMID: 36197959 PMCID: PMC9586285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2214825119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
23
|
Abstract
Knowledge on the distribution and abundance of organisms is fundamental to understanding their roles within ecosystems and their ecological importance for other taxa. Such knowledge is currently lacking for insects, which have long been regarded as the "little things that run the world". Even for ubiquitous insects, such as ants, which are of tremendous ecological significance, there is currently neither a reliable estimate of their total number on Earth nor of their abundance in particular biomes or habitats. We compile data on ground-dwelling and arboreal ants to obtain an empirical estimate of global ant abundance. Our analysis is based on 489 studies, spanning all continents, major biomes, and habitats. We conservatively estimate total abundance of ground-dwelling ants at over 3 × 1015 and estimate the number of all ants on Earth to be almost 20 × 1015 individuals. The latter corresponds to a biomass of ∼12 megatons of dry carbon. This exceeds the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals and is equivalent to ∼20% of human biomass. Abundances of ground-dwelling ants are strongly concentrated in tropical and subtropical regions but vary substantially across habitats. The density of leaf-litter ants is highest in forests, while the numbers of actively ground-foraging ants are highest in arid regions. This study highlights the central role ants play in terrestrial ecosystems but also major ecological and geographic gaps in our current knowledge. Our results provide a crucial baseline for exploring environmental drivers of ant-abundance patterns and for tracking the responses of insects to environmental change.
Collapse
|