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Hernaiz-García M, Zanolli C, Martín-Francés L, Mazurier A, Benazzi S, Sarig R, Fu J, Kullmer O, Fiorenza L. Masticatory habits of the adult Neanderthal individual BD 1 from La Chaise-de-Vouthon (France). Am J Biol Anthropol 2024; 184:e24926. [PMID: 38420653 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The analysis of dental wear provides a useful approach for dietary and cultural habit reconstructions of past human populations. The analysis of macrowear patterns can also be used to better understand the individual chewing behavior and to investigate the biomechanical responses during different biting scenarios. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diet and chewing performance of the adult Neanderthal Bourgeois-Delaunay 1 (BD 1) and to investigate the relationship between wear and cementum deposition under mechanical demands. MATERIALS AND METHODS The macrowear pattern of BD 1 was analyzed using the occlusal fingerprint analysis method. We propose a new method for the bilateral measurement of the cementum volume along both buccal and lingual sides of the molar root. RESULTS BD 1's anterior dentition is more affected by wear compared to the posterior one. The macrowear pattern suggest a normal chewing behavior and a mixed-diet coming from temperate environments. The teeth on the left side of the mandible display greater levels of wear, as well as the buccal side of the molar crowns. The cementum analysis shows higher buccal volume along the molar roots. DISCUSSION BD1 could have been preferably chewing on the left side of the mandible. The exploitation of various food resources suggested by the macrowear analysis is compatible with the environmental reconstructions. Finally, the greater wear on the buccal side of the molar occlusal surface and the greater volume of cementum in that side of the molar roots offers a preliminary understanding about the potential correlation between dental wear and cementum deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Hernaiz-García
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Laura Martín-Francés
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paleobiology, CENIEH, Burgos, Spain
| | - Arnaud Mazurier
- CNRS, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de Poitiers-IC2MP, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Stefano Benazzi
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Rachel Sarig
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ottmar Kullmer
- Division of Palaeoanthropology, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Palaeobiology and Environment, Institute of Ecology, Evolution, and Diversity, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Luca Fiorenza
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Rosbakh S, Carta A, Fernández-Pascual E, Phartyal SS, Dayrell RLC, Mattana E, Saatkamp A, Vandelook F, Baskin JM, Baskin CC. Large dataset analyses advance knowledge of seed ecology and evolutionary biology. New Phytol 2024. [PMID: 38643978 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Rosbakh
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Angelino Carta
- Department of Biology, Botany Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Eduardo Fernández-Pascual
- IMIB Biodiversity Research Institute (University of Oviedo - CSIC - Principality of Asturias), University of Oviedo, 33600, Mieres, Spain
| | - Shyam S Phartyal
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, 803116, Rajgir, India
| | | | - Efisio Mattana
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Wakehurst, RH17 6TN, Ardingly, UK
| | - Arne Saatkamp
- Aix Marseille Université, IMBE, Avignon Univ, CNRS, IRD, 13397, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jerry M Baskin
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40506-022, USA
| | - Carol C Baskin
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40506-022, USA
- Department of Plants and Soil Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40506-022, USA
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3
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Vandepol NS, Shade A. Is everything everywhere? A hands-on activity to engage undergraduates with key concepts in quantitative microbial biogeography. J Microbiol Biol Educ 2024:e0017023. [PMID: 38634606 DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.00170-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquity and ease with which microbial cells disperse over space is a key concept in microbiology, especially in microbial ecology. The phenomenon prompted Baas Becking's famous "everything is everywhere" statement that now acts as the null hypothesis in studies that test the dispersal limitation of microbial taxa. Despite covering the content in lectures, exam performance indicated that the concepts of dispersal and biogeography challenged undergraduate students in an upper-level Microbial Ecology course. Therefore, we iteratively designed a hands-on classroom activity to supplement the lecture content and reinforce fundamental microbial dispersal and biogeography concepts while also building quantitative reasoning and teamwork skills. In a class period soon after the lecture, the students formed three-to-five-person teams to engage in the activity, which included a hands-on dispersal simulation and worksheet to guide discussion. The simulation involved stepwise neutral immigration or emigration and then environmental selection on a random community of microbial taxa represented by craft poms. The students recorded the results at each step as microbial community data. A field guide was provided to identify the taxonomy based on the pom phenotype and a reference to each taxon's preferred environmental niches. The worksheet guided a reflection of student observations during the simulation. It also sharpened quantitative thinking by prompting the students to summarize and visualize their and other teams' microbial community data and then to compare the observed community distributions to the idealized expectation given only selection without dispersal. We found that the activity improved student performance on exam questions and general student satisfaction and comfort with the biogeography concepts. Activity instructions and a list of needed materials are included for instructors to reproduce for their classrooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie S Vandepol
- Dean's Office, Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Ashley Shade
- Ecologie Microbienne: CNRS UMR5557, INRAE UMR1418, VetAgro Sup, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69622 Villeurbanne, France
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4
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Kendzierska H, Janas U. Functional diversity of macrozoobenthos under adverse oxygen conditions in the southern Baltic Sea. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8946. [PMID: 38637621 PMCID: PMC11026434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen deficiency is a major problem in the Baltic Sea. To study the impact of hypoxia on the functional diversity of benthic fauna and the possibility of macrozoobenthos recovery, data were analyzed in a gradient of oxygen conditions in the Gdańsk Basin. The research conducted on the basis of biological traits analysis enabled us to analyze the number, type and spatial distribution of biological traits-a proxy for functions performed by macrozoobenthos. A significant depletion of macrofauna was already observed under conditions of reduced oxygen above the bottom, both in terms of functional diversity and biomass. Although taxa observed in hypoxia (DO < 2 mL L-1) perform a number of functions, the remaining species do not form complex structures in the sediments or cause deep bioturbation and bioirrigation. Moreover, their extremely low biomass plays an irrelevant role in benthic-pelagic coupling. Thus, benthic fauna under hypoxia is not an element that ensures the functioning of the ecosystem. We assess that traits important for species dispersal and the presence of taxa resistant to short-term hypoxia in the oxic zone above the halocline provide a "backup" for ecosystem functioning under altered diverse oxygen conditions below the halocline after cessation of hypoxia in the southern Baltic Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Kendzierska
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland.
| | - Urszula Janas
- Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Oceanography and Geography, University of Gdańsk, Al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378, Gdynia, Poland
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5
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Hueholt DM, Barnes EA, Hurrell JW, Morrison AL. Speed of environmental change frames relative ecological risk in climate change and climate intervention scenarios. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3332. [PMID: 38637548 PMCID: PMC11026408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47656-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Stratospheric aerosol injection is a potential method of climate intervention to reduce climate risk as decarbonization efforts continue. However, possible ecosystem impacts from the strategic design of hypothetical intervention scenarios are poorly understood. Two recent Earth system model simulations depict policy-relevant stratospheric aerosol injection scenarios with similar global temperature targets, but a 10-year delay in intervention deployment. Here we show this delay leads to distinct ecological risk profiles through climate speeds, which describe the rate of movement of thermal conditions. On a planetary scale, climate speeds in the simulation where the intervention maintains temperature are not statistically distinguishable from preindustrial conditions. In contrast, rapid temperature reduction following delayed deployment produces climate speeds over land beyond either a preindustrial baseline or no-intervention climate change with present policy. The area exposed to threshold climate speeds places different scenarios in context to their relative ecological risks. Our results support discussion of tradeoffs and timescales in future scenario design and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Hueholt
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A Barnes
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA
| | - James W Hurrell
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA
| | - Ariel L Morrison
- Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 80523, CO, USA
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6
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Torralba Sáez M, Hofreiter M, Straube N. Shark genome size evolution and its relationship with cellular, life-history, ecological, and diversity traits. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8909. [PMID: 38632352 PMCID: PMC11024215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Among vertebrates, sharks exhibit both large and heterogeneous genome sizes ranging from 2.86 to 17.05 pg. Aiming for a better understanding of the patterns and causalities of shark genome size evolution, we applied phylogenetic comparative methods to published genome-size estimates for 71 species representing the main phylogenetic lineages, life-histories and ecological traits. The sixfold range of genome size variation was strongly traceable throughout the phylogeny, with a major expansion preceding shark diversification during the late Paleozoic and an ancestral state (6.33 pg) close to the present-day average (6.72 pg). Subsequent deviations from this average occurred at higher rates in squalomorph than in galeomorph sharks and were unconnected to evolutionary changes in the karyotype architecture, which were dominated by descending disploidy events. Genome size was positively correlated with cell and nucleus sizes and negatively with metabolic rate. The metabolic constraints on increasing genome size also manifested at higher phenotypic scales, with large genomes associated with slow lifestyles and purely marine waters. Moreover, large genome sizes were also linked to non-placental reproductive modes, which may entail metabolically less demanding embryological developments. Contrary to ray-finned fishes, large genome size was associated neither with the taxonomic diversity of affected clades nor with low genetic diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Torralba Sáez
- Ichthyology Section, Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (SNSB-ZSM), 81247, Munich, Germany
- Systematic Zoology, Department Biology II, Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), 82152, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hofreiter
- Evolutionary Adaptive Genomics, Institute for Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Nicolas Straube
- Department of Natural History, University Museum Bergen, University of Bergen (UiB), 5007, Bergen, Norway.
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7
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Sosdian SM, Gagan MK, Natawidjaja DH, Kimbrough AK, Suwargadi BW, Rifai H, Scott-Gagan H, Prayudi D, Suprihanto I, Hantoro WS. Coral geochemical response to uplift in the aftermath of the 2005 Nias-Simeulue earthquake. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8686. [PMID: 38622214 PMCID: PMC11018842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
On 28 March 2005, the Indonesian islands of Nias and Simeulue experienced a powerful Mw 8.6 earthquake and coseismic uplift and subsidence. In areas of coastal uplift (up to ~ 2.8 m), fringing reef coral communities were killed by exposure, while deeper corals that survived were subjected to habitats with altered runoff, sediment and nutrient regimes. Here we present time-series (2000-2009) of Mn/Ca, Y/Ca and Ba/Ca variability in massive Porites corals from Nias to assess the environmental impact of a wide range of vertical displacement (+ 2.5 m to - 0.4 m). High-resolution LA-ICP-MS measurements show that skeletal Mn/Ca increased at uplifted sites, regardless of reef type, indicating a post-earthquake increase in suspended sediment delivery. Transient and/or long-term increases in skeletal Y/Ca at all uplift sites support the idea of increased sediment delivery. Coral Mn/Ca and Ba/Ca in lagoonal environments highlight the additional influences of reef bathymetry, wind-driven sediment resuspension, and phytoplankton blooms on coral geochemistry. Together, the results show that the Nias reefs adapted to fundamentally altered hydrographic conditions. We show how centuries of repeated subsidence and uplift during great-earthquake cycles along the Sunda megathrust may have shaped the modern-day predominance of massive scleractinian corals on the West Sumatran reefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sindia M Sosdian
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
- Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Michael K Gagan
- Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Danny H Natawidjaja
- Research Center for Geological Disaster, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
| | - Alena K Kimbrough
- Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Bambang W Suwargadi
- Research Center for Geotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
| | - Hamdi Rifai
- Department of Physics, Universitas Negeri Padang, Padang, 25131, Indonesia
| | - Heather Scott-Gagan
- Research School of Earth Sciences, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Dudi Prayudi
- Research Center for Geotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
| | - Imam Suprihanto
- Research Center for Geotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
| | - Wahyoe S Hantoro
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
- School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Research Center for Geotechnology, Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Bandung, 40135, Indonesia
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Abstract
The bacterium responsible for a disease that infects citrus plants across Asia facilitates its own proliferation by increasing the fecundity of its host insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songdou Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Shiheng An
- Department of Entomology, Henan Agricultural UniversityZhengzhouChina
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9
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Eriksen C, Boustedt K, Sonne SB, Dahlgren J, Kristiansen K, Twetman S, Brix S, Roswall J. Early life factors and oral microbial signatures define the risk of caries in a Swedish cohort of preschool children. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8463. [PMID: 38605085 PMCID: PMC11009336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The oral cavity harbors complex communities comprising bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses. The oral microbiota is establish at birth and develops further during childhood, with early life factors such as birth mode, feeding practices, and oral hygiene, reported to influence this development and the susceptibility to caries. We here analyzed the oral bacterial composition in saliva of 260 Swedish children at two, three and five years of age using 16S rRNA gene profiling to examine its relation to environmental factors and caries development at five years of age. We were able to assign the salivary bacterial community in each child at each time point to one of seven distinct clusters. We observed an individual dynamic in the development of the oral microbiota related to early life factors, such as being first born, born by C-section, maternal perinatal antibiotics use, with a distinct transition between three and five years of age. Different bacterial signatures depending on age were related to increased caries risk, while Peptococcus consistently linked to reduced risk of caries development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Eriksen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Katarina Boustedt
- Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Maxillofacial Unit, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Si Brask Sonne
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jovanna Dahlgren
- Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pediatrics, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karsten Kristiansen
- Laboratory of Genomics and Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
- Qingdao-Europe Advanced Institute for Life Sciences, Qingdao, 266555, Shandong, China.
| | - Svante Twetman
- Department of Odontology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Brix
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Josefine Roswall
- Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Paediatrics, Halland Hospital, Halmstad, Sweden.
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Bisanti L, La Corte C, Dara M, Bertini F, Parisi MG, Chemello R, Cammarata M, Parrinello D. Global warming-related response after bacterial challenge in Astroides calycularis, a Mediterranean thermophilic coral. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8495. [PMID: 38605161 PMCID: PMC11009343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58652-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
A worldwide increase in the prevalence of coral diseases and mortality has been linked to ocean warming due to changes in coral-associated bacterial communities, pathogen virulence, and immune system function. In the Mediterranean basin, the worrying upward temperature trend has already caused recurrent mass mortality events in recent decades. To evaluate how elevated seawater temperatures affect the immune response of a thermophilic coral species, colonies of Astroides calycularis were exposed to environmental (23 °C) or elevated (28 °C) temperatures, and subsequently challenged with bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Using immunolabeling with specific antibodies, we detected the production of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), molecules involved in coral immune responses, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) activity, involved in general responses to thermal stress. A histological approach allowed us to characterize the tissue sites of activation (epithelium and/or gastroderm) under different experimental conditions. The activity patterns of the examined markers after 6 h of LPS stimulation revealed an up-modulation at environmental temperature. Under warmer conditions plus LPS-challenge, TLR4-NF-kB activation was almost completely suppressed, while constituent elevated values were recorded under thermal stress only. An HSP70 up-regulation appeared in both treatments at elevated temperature, with a significantly higher activation in LPS-challenge colonies. Such an approach is useful for further understanding the molecular pathogen-defense mechanisms in corals in order to disentangle the complex interactive effects on the health of these ecologically relevant organisms related to global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bisanti
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - C La Corte
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Dara
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - F Bertini
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M G Parisi
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - R Chemello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - M Cammarata
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
| | - D Parrinello
- Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, 90128, Palermo, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
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Zhou J, Zhong M. Spatial-temporal evolution and peer effects of urban green development efficiency in China. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8501. [PMID: 38605152 PMCID: PMC11009275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58591-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In the process of global urban development, there are urgent ecological security and environmental pollution problems, green development is the fundamental way for urban sustainable development, economic transformation and mitigation of ecological and environmental problems. Based on the panel data of 283 cities at prefecture level and above in China from 2003 to 2017, this paper analyzes spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of urban green development efficiency (UGDE) and the peer effects of UGDE between cities of different grades. It is found that during the study period, in terms of temporal evolution, the average UGDE in China increased from 0.47 in 2003 to 0.61 in 2017, with a cumulative growth rate of 29.79%, showing a rising trend in general. In terms of spatial evolution, the number of low-efficiency cities and medium-efficiency cities continued to decrease. The eastern region has always been the main distribution area of higher-efficiency cities and high-efficiency cities; in the central region, UGDE in most cities improved significantly; in the western region, UGDE has always lagged behind that in the eastern and central regions. In addition, the center of gravity of UGDE presented a trend of northwest migration in general, with a total displacement of 100.07 km, and UGDE showed a spatial dispersion trend. The empirical results indicate that the improvement of UGDE in large cities has a driving effect on that in neighboring medium cities and small cities through the positive peer effect, and the growth of UGDE in medium cities has a promoting effect on that in neighboring small cities through the positive peer effect; the increase of UGDE in medium cities has a positive peer effect on that in neighboring large cities, and the growth of UGDE in small cities has a positive peer effect on that in neighboring medium cities; UGDE promotes each other between large cities through the positive peer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialiang Zhou
- School of Economics and Trade, Fujian Jiangxia University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Mingchun Zhong
- School of Economics and Trade, Fujian Jiangxia University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
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12
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Lateef AA, Azeez AA, Ren W, Hamisu HS, Oke OA, Asiegbu FO. Bacterial biota associated with the invasive insect pest Tuta absoluta (Meyrick). Sci Rep 2024; 14:8268. [PMID: 38594362 PMCID: PMC11003966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58753-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuta absoluta (the tomato pinworm) is an invasive insect pest with a highly damaging effect on tomatoes causing between 80 and 100% yield losses if left uncontrolled. Resistance to chemical pesticides have been reported in some T. absoluta populations. Insect microbiome plays an important role in the behavior, physiology, and survivability of their host. In a bid to explore and develop an alternative control method, the associated microbiome of this insect was studied. In this study, we unraveled the bacterial biota of T. absoluta larvae and adults by sequencing and analyzing the 16S rRNA V3-V4 gene regions using Illumina NovaSeq PE250. Out of 2,092,015 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) recovered from 30 samples (15 larvae and 15 adults), 1,268,810 and 823,205 ASVs were obtained from the larvae and adults, respectively. A total of 433 bacterial genera were shared between the adults and larval samples while 264 and 139 genera were unique to the larvae and adults, respectively. Amplicon metagenomic analyses of the sequences showed the dominance of the phylum Proteobacteria in the adult samples while Firmicutes and Proteobacteria dominated in the larval samples. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) comparison revealed the genera Pseudomonas, Delftia and Ralstonia to be differentially enriched in the adult samples while Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Lactococcus, Klebsiella and Wiessella were differentially abundant in the larvae. The diversity indices showed that the bacterial communities were not different between the insect samples collected from different geographical regions. However, the bacterial communities significantly differed based on the sample type between larvae and adults. A co-occurrence network of significantly correlated taxa revealed a strong interaction between the microbial communities. The functional analysis of the microbiome using FAPROTAX showed that denitrification, arsenite oxidation, methylotrophy and methanotrophy as the active functional groups of the adult and larvae microbiomes. Our results have revealed the core taxonomic, functional, and interacting microbiota of T. absoluta and these indicate that the larvae and adults harbor a similar but transitory set of bacteria. The results provide a novel insight and a basis for exploring microbiome-based biocontrol strategy for this invasive insect pest as well as the ecological significance of some of the identified microbiota is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Lateef
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Ilorin, Nigeria.
| | - A A Azeez
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Rainforest Research Station, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Jericho Hill, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - W Ren
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H S Hamisu
- National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - O A Oke
- National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - F O Asiegbu
- Department of Forest Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Patt JM, Makagon A, Norton B, Marvit M, Rutschman P, Neligeorge M, Salesin J. An optical system to detect, surveil, and kill flying insect vectors of human and crop pathogens. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8174. [PMID: 38589427 PMCID: PMC11002038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57804-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable and effective means to control flying insect vectors are critically needed, especially with widespread insecticide resistance and global climate change. Understanding and controlling vectors requires accurate information about their movement and activity, which is often lacking. The Photonic Fence (PF) is an optical system that uses machine vision, infrared light, and lasers to identify, track, and interdict vectors in flight. The PF examines an insect's outline, flight speed, and other flight parameters and if these match those of a targeted vector species, then a low-power, retina-safe laser kills it. We report on proof-of-concept tests of a large, field-sized PF (30 mL × 3 mH) conducted with Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that transmits dangerous arboviruses, and Diaphorina citri, a psyllid which transmits the fatal huanglongbing disease of citrus. In tests with the laser engaged, < 1% and 3% of A. aegypti and D. citri, respectfully, were recovered versus a 38% and 19% recovery when the lacer was silenced. The PF tracked, but did not intercept the orchid bee, Euglossa dilemma. The system effectively intercepted flying vectors, but not bees, at a distance of 30 m, heralding the use of photonic energy, rather than chemicals, to control flying vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Patt
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, FL, 34945, USA.
| | - Arty Makagon
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Bryan Norton
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Maclen Marvit
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Phillip Rutschman
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Matt Neligeorge
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
| | - Jeremy Salesin
- Global Health Labs (Formerly Global Good Fund I, LLC), Bellevue, WA, 98007, USA
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14
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de Almeida Silva JO, da Silva Carvalho-Filho F, Brasil LS. Succession of medico-legal important flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in the temporal gradient of pig decomposition in the Brazilian Cerrado. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8218. [PMID: 38589432 PMCID: PMC11001974 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58898-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Flies belonging to the Sarcophagidae family play a significant role in forensic investigations by aiding in the estimation of post-mortem interval through the assessment of the developmental time of their immature stages and/or the succession patterns of species on carcasses and cadavers. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the ecological succession of these flies on pig carcasses within Cerrado of Brazil. The progression of fly succession was examined over a 10-day period using the Threshold Indicator Taxa Analysis (TITAN) approach. Six Z + species (Oxysarcodexia thornax (Walker), Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann), Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley), Ravinia belforti (Prado & Fonseca), Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) canuta (Wulp) and Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (Fabricius)) were identified, with change points ranging from 2.5 to 3 days during the dry season and 2.5 to 5.5 days during the rainy season. Two Z- species (Dexosarcophaga carvalhoi (Lopes) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) tridentata (Hall)) were present, with a change point of 6.5 days during the rainy season. This study provides a continuous analysis of the temporal succession of flies, enabling an investigation into species progression based on their change points and directions (Z + and Z- ), thereby offering methodological advancements to avoid the arbitrary categorization of inherently continuous data.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Orlando de Almeida Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Zoologia (PPGZOOL), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil.
- Curso de Licenciatura Interdisciplinar em Ciências Naturais/Biologia (LCN/Biologia), Centro de Ciências de Codó (CCCO), Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), Codó, MA, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Zoologia (PPGZOOL), Departamento de Zoologia, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Fernando da Silva Carvalho-Filho
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Zoologia (PPGZOOL), Departamento de Zoologia, Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG), Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leandro Schlemmer Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Zoologia (PPGZOOL), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal Do Pará (UFPA), Belém, PA, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (ICBS), Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso (UFMT), Pontal Do Araguaia, MT, Brazil
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15
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Cuadrado-Matías R, Moraga-Fernández A, Peralbo-Moreno A, Negredo AI, Sánchez-Seco MP, Ruiz-Fons F. Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in questing non-Hyalomma spp. ticks in Northwest Spain, 2021. Zoonoses Public Health 2024. [PMID: 38590023 DOI: 10.1111/zph.13130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) unexpectedly emerged in humans in Northwest Spain in 2021, and two additional cases were reported in the region in 2022. The 2021 case was associated with a tick bite on the outskirts of the city where the patient lived. PCR analysis of 95 questing ticks collected in the outskirts of that city in 2021, none of the genus Hyalomma, revealed a prevalence of confirmed CCHF virus (CCHFV) infection of 10.5%. Our results in this emerging scenario suggest the need to consider that CCHFV may be effectively spreading to Northwest Spain and to urgently understand any possible role of non-Hyalomma spp. ticks in the eco-epidemiological dynamics of CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Cuadrado-Matías
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alberto Moraga-Fernández
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alfonso Peralbo-Moreno
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Negredo
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Paz Sánchez-Seco
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Ruiz-Fons
- Health & Biotechnology (SaBio) Group, Spanish Game & Wildlife Research Institute (IREC), CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Gilioli G, Simonetto A, Weber ID, Gervasio P, Sperandio G, Bosco D, Bodino N, Dongiovanni C, Di Carolo M, Cavalieri V, Saponari M, Boscia D. A model for predicting the phenology of Philaenus spumarius. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8137. [PMID: 38584175 PMCID: PMC10999437 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The design and implementation of Philaenus spumarius control strategies can take advantage of properly calibrated models describing and predicting the phenology of vector populations in agroecosystems. We developed a temperature-driven physiological-based model based on the system of Kolmogorov partial differential equations to predict the phenological dynamics of P. spumarius. The model considers the initial physiological age distribution of eggs, the diapause termination process, and the development rate functions of post-diapausing eggs and nymphal stages, estimated from data collected in laboratory experiments and field surveys in Italy. The temperature threshold and cumulative degree days for egg diapause termination were estimated as 6.5 °C and 120 DD, respectively. Preimaginal development rate functions exhibited lower thresholds ranging between 2.1 and 5.0 °C, optimal temperatures between 26.6 and 28.3 °C, and upper threshold between 33.0 and 35 °C. The model correctly simulates the emergence of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th nymphal instars, key stages to target monitoring actions and control measures against P. spumarius. Precision in simulating the phenology of the 1st and 2nd nymphal stages was less satisfactory. The model is a useful rational decision tool to support scheduling monitoring and control actions against the late and most important nymphal stages of P. spumarius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Gilioli
- DICATAM, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Anna Simonetto
- DICATAM, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Igor Daniel Weber
- DICATAM, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paola Gervasio
- DICATAM, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sperandio
- DICATAM, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Marche Polytechnic University, D3A, Via Brecce Bianche 10, 60131, Ancona, Marche, Italy
| | - Domenico Bosco
- DISAFA, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Nicola Bodino
- DISAFA, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini, 10095, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Crescenza Dongiovanni
- Centro di Ricerca, Sperimentazione e Formazione in Agricoltura Basile Caramia, Locorotondo, Italy
| | - Michele Di Carolo
- Centro di Ricerca, Sperimentazione e Formazione in Agricoltura Basile Caramia, Locorotondo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, Sede Secondaria di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Saponari
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, Sede Secondaria di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Donato Boscia
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto per la Protezione Sostenibile delle Piante, Sede Secondaria di Bari, Bari, Italy
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17
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Lofgren L, Nguyen NH, Kennedy P, Pérez-Pazos E, Fletcher J, Liao HL, Wang H, Zhang K, Ruytinx J, Smith AH, Ke YH, Cotter HVT, Engwall E, Hameed KM, Vilgalys R, Branco S. Suillus: an emerging model for the study of ectomycorrhizal ecology and evolution. New Phytol 2024. [PMID: 38581203 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Research on mycorrhizal symbiosis has been slowed by a lack of established study systems. To address this challenge, we have been developing Suillus, a widespread ecologically and economically relevant fungal genus primarily associated with the plant family Pinaceae, into a model system for studying ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations. Over the last decade, we have compiled extensive genomic resources, culture libraries, a phenotype database, and protocols for manipulating Suillus fungi with and without their tree partners. Our efforts have already resulted in a large number of publicly available genomes, transcriptomes, and respective annotations, as well as advances in our understanding of mycorrhizal partner specificity and host communication, fungal and plant nutrition, environmental adaptation, soil nutrient cycling, interspecific competition, and biological invasions. Here, we highlight the most significant recent findings enabled by Suillus, present a suite of protocols for working with the genus, and discuss how Suillus is emerging as an important model to elucidate the ecology and evolution of ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotus Lofgren
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Dr., Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Nhu H Nguyen
- Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Hawai'i at Māno, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA
| | - Peter Kennedy
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of Minnesota, 1475 Gortner Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1475 Gortner Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Eduardo Pérez-Pazos
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1475 Gortner Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Jessica Fletcher
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, 1151 Arapahoe St., SI 2071, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Hui-Ling Liao
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL, 3235, USA
- Department of Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, 1692 McCarty Dr., Room 2181, Building A, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Haihua Wang
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL, 3235, USA
- Department of Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Florida, 1692 McCarty Dr., Room 2181, Building A, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Kaile Zhang
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL, 3235, USA
| | - Joske Ruytinx
- Research Group of Microbiology and Plant Genetics, Department of Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander H Smith
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, 1151 Arapahoe St., SI 2071, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Yi-Hong Ke
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 1105 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - H Van T Cotter
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Herbarium, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Eiona Engwall
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 South Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Khalid M Hameed
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Dr., Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Rytas Vilgalys
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Dr., Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Sara Branco
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Colorado Denver, 1151 Arapahoe St., SI 2071, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
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18
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Metcalfe H, Storkey J, Hull R, Bullock JM, Whitmore A, Sharp RT, Milne AE. Trade-offs constrain the success of glyphosate-free farming. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8001. [PMID: 38580796 PMCID: PMC10997608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide, is linked with environmental harm and there is a drive to replace it in agricultural systems. We model the impacts of discontinuing glyphosate use and replacing it with cultural control methods. We simulate winter wheat arable systems reliant on glyphosate and typical in northwest Europe. Removing glyphosate was projected to increase weed abundance, herbicide risk to the environment, and arable plant diversity and decrease food production. Weed communities with evolved resistance to non-glyphosate herbicides were not projected to be disproportionately affected by removing glyphosate, despite the lack of alternative herbicidal control options. Crop rotations with more spring cereals or grass leys for weed control increased arable plant diversity. Stale seedbed techniques such as delayed drilling and choosing ploughing instead of minimum tillage had varying effects on weed abundance, food production, and profitability. Ploughing was the most effective alternative to glyphosate for long-term weed control while maintaining production and profit. Our findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of trade-offs arising in scenarios where glyphosate is removed. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) with more use of cultural control methods offers the potential to reduce chemical use but is sensitive to seasonal variability and can incur negative environmental and economic impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Metcalfe
- Net Zero & Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK.
| | - J Storkey
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - R Hull
- Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - J M Bullock
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - A Whitmore
- Net Zero & Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - R T Sharp
- Net Zero & Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
| | - A E Milne
- Net Zero & Resilient Farming, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, UK
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19
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Ślusarczyk M, Bednarska A, Zebrowski ML, Tałanda J. Artificial light at night bans Chaoborus from vital epilimnetic waters. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7995. [PMID: 38580701 PMCID: PMC10997633 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58406-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is known to affect organisms in terrestrial ecosystems and adjacent litoral habitats. In the present study, we tested the effect of ALAN on the spatial distribution of organisms in open waters, using the insect larvae of Chaoborus flavicans as an example. During the day C. flavicans typically hide from visually hunting fish in deep, dark, anoxic waters. On safer nights, they forage in rich subsurface waters. Nighttime field tests revealed that light from an HPS street lamp mounted on a boat anchored in open water attracted planktivorous fish, but deterred planktonic Chaoborus from rich but risky surface waters. Chaoborus did not descend to the safest, anoxic hypolimnion, but remained in hypoxic mid-depth metalimnion, which does not appear to be a perfect refuge. Neither light gradient nor food distribution fully explained their mid-depth residence under ALAN conditions. A further laboratory test revealed a limited tolerance of C. flavicans to anoxia. Half of the test larvae died after 38 h at 9 °C in anoxic conditions. The trade-off between predation risk and oxygen demand may explain why Chaoborus did not hide in deep anoxic waters, but remained in the riskier metalimnion with residual oxygen under ALAN conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirosław Ślusarczyk
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki I Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
- Hydrobiological Station, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Pilchy 5, 12-200, Pisz, Poland
| | - Anna Bednarska
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki I Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Lukasz Zebrowski
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki I Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Tałanda
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki I Wigury 101, 02-089, Warsaw, Poland.
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20
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Ozawa H, Yoshihama T, Gishitomi S, Watanabe N, Ichikawa K, Sato K, Watanabe K, Takano K, Ochiai Y, Yamanaka H, Maruyama A. Fecal DNA analysis coupled with the sighting records re-expanded a known distribution of dugongs in Ryukyu Islands after half a century. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7957. [PMID: 38575626 PMCID: PMC10995173 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58674-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA analysis of large herbivore feces samples collected from seagrass beds at two distant sites (Irabu Island in Miyako Islands and Kushi in Okinawa Island) in the Ryukyu Islands proved that some of these feces were from dugongs, which had been treated in recent studies as extinct in this region since the last stranding of a deceased individual in 2019. In addition, local knowledge of sightings of animals thought to be dugongs and confirmed cases of dugong feeding trails since 2010 were compiled to estimate its recent distribution. This is the first scientific report on the presence of this mammal in the Ryukyu Islands within the last four years, and particularly in the Miyako Islands within the last half-century. As the Ryukyu Islands are known to be the northern limit of the dugong's fragmented distribution in East Asia, conservation efforts are therefore needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ozawa
- Incorporated Foundation Okinawa Prefecture Environment Science Center, Urasoe, Okinawa, 901-2111, Japan.
| | | | - Shogo Gishitomi
- Incorporated Foundation Okinawa Prefecture Environment Science Center, Urasoe, Okinawa, 901-2111, Japan
| | - Natsuki Watanabe
- Incorporated Foundation Okinawa Prefecture Environment Science Center, Urasoe, Okinawa, 901-2111, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ichikawa
- Field Science Education and Research Center, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Keiichi Sato
- Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Kunigami, Okinawa, 905-0206, Japan
| | - Kenta Watanabe
- National Institute of Technology, Okinawa College, Nago, Okinawa, 905-2192, Japan
| | | | - Yosuke Ochiai
- Japan Broadcasting Corporation, Shibuya, Tokyo, 150-8001, Japan
| | - Hiroki Yamanaka
- Center for Biodiversity Science, Ryukoku University, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2194, Japan
| | - Atsushi Maruyama
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Ryukoku University, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2194, Japan
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21
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Balestrieri A, Gigliotti S, Caniglia R, Velli E, Zambuto F, De Giorgi E, Mucci N, Tremolada P, Gazzola A. Nutritional ecology of a prototypical generalist predator, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Sci Rep 2024; 14:7918. [PMID: 38575633 PMCID: PMC10995161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58711-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Generalist species, which exploit a wide range of food resources, are expected to be able to combine available resources as to attain their specific macronutrient ratio (percentage of caloric intake of protein, lipids and carbohydrates). Among mammalian predators, the red fox Vulpes vulpes is a widespread, opportunistic forager: its diet has been largely studied, outlining wide variation according to geographic and climatic factors. We aimed to check if, throughout the species' European range, diets vary widely in macronutrient composition or foxes can combine complementary foods to gain the same nutrient intake. First, we assessed fox's intake target in the framework of nutritional geometry. Secondly, we aimed to highlight the effects of unbalanced diets on fox density, which was assumed as a proxy for Darwinian fitness, as assessed in five areas of the western Italian Alps. Unexpectedly, the target macronutrient ratio of the fox (52.4% protein-, 38.7% lipid- and 8.9% carbohydrate energy) was consistent with that of hypercarnivores, such as wolves and felids, except for carbohydrate intakes in urban and rural habitats. The inverse relation between density and the deviation of observed macronutrient ratios from the intake target suggests that fox capability of surviving in a wide range of habitats may not be exempt from fitness costs and that nutrient availability should be regarded among the biotic factors affecting animal abundance and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Balestrieri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - S Gigliotti
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - R Caniglia
- Area per la Genetica della Conservazione, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - E Velli
- Area per la Genetica della Conservazione, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - F Zambuto
- IRCCS Ospedale Galeazzi-Sant'Ambrogio, via C. Belgioioso 173, 20161, Milano, Italy
| | - E De Giorgi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - N Mucci
- Area per la Genetica della Conservazione, Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale (ISPRA), via Ca' Fornacetta 9, Ozzano Emilia, 40064, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Tremolada
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Gazzola
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra e dell'Ambiente, Università di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
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22
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Verma VK, Pandey A, Thirugnanavel A, Rymbai H, Dutta N, Kumar A, Bhutia TL, Jha AK, Mishra VK. Ecology, genetic diversity, and population structure among commercial varieties and local landraces of Capsicum spp. grown in northeastern states of India. Front Plant Sci 2024; 15:1379637. [PMID: 38638355 PMCID: PMC11024323 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1379637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Northeastern states of India are known for unique landraces of Capsicum spp. with geographical indications. However, little information is available about these valuable landraces of chillies. Surveys and collections were carried out in niche areas to find out their ecology and diversity through morphological traits and molecular analysis using microsatellite markers. Our result characterized the ecology of niche areas as cool (11.0°C-20.7°C) and humid (>60% relative humidity) climates for dalle-chilli (Capsicum annuum L.); mild-warm (12.2°C-28.6°C) and humid for king-chilli (C. chinense Jacq.); and cool to warm (11.3°C-33.1°C) and humid for bird's eye chilli (C. frutescens L.) during the crop period. The canonical correspondence analysis has shown the significant impact of temperature on the agro-morphological traits and distribution of the landraces in their niche areas. A wide variability was observed for different quantitative traits and yield attributing characters (fruit length, diameter, weight, and yield), showing high heritability (97.0%-99.0%), and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (119.8%-434.0%). A total of 47 SSR markers used for the molecular analysis generated 230 alleles, ranging from 2 (HPMSE-7) to 10 (HPMSE-5), with an average of 4.89 alleles per locus. The average polymorphism information content was also high (0.61) and ranged from 0.20 (HPMSE-7) to 0.85 (CAMS-91). The observed average heterozygosity was lower than the expected value. Analysis of molecular variance has shown significant variation within (69%) and between (31%) of the populations of Capsicum spp. Based on Nei's genetic distance, bird's eye chilli and king-chilli were found to be closer to each other, whereas dalle-chilli, a tretraploid species, was closer to hot pepper (C. annuum). However, the flower size of dalle-chilli was large and found closer to king-chilli in color and differs from C. chinense due to the presence of calyx teeth. For quality traits, landraces king-chilli, dalle-chilli, and bird's eye chilli have shown 2.8, 2.0, and 1.4 times higher average capsaicin and 0.46, 0.25, and 0.22 times higher average oleoresin content over the hot pepper, respectively. The knowledge of ecology and diversity can be used in identifying new areas for production, selection of elite lines, conservation, and crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerendra Kumar Verma
- Division of System Research & Engineering, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Avinash Pandey
- School of Genomics and Molecular Breeding, ICAR-Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | | | - Heiplanmi Rymbai
- Division of System Research & Engineering, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Niharika Dutta
- Division of System Research & Engineering, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Division of System Research & Engineering, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | | | - Anjani Kumar Jha
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, India
| | - Vinay Kumar Mishra
- Division of System Research & Engineering, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
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23
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Scarano F, Giannetti D, Trenti F, Giacomazzi F, Vigna J, Guella G, Grasso DA, Haase A. Trail pheromone identification in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7883. [PMID: 38570567 PMCID: PMC10991323 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58383-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, we identified the trail pheromone of the ant Crematogaster scutellaris. We combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of extracts from the hind tibia, the location of the respective glands, with automated trail following assays. The study found tridecan-2-ol to be the strongest discriminator between hind tibia and other body part extracts. Tridecan-2-ol elicited trail-following behaviour at concentrations of 1 ng/µL. A separation of the enantiomers showed responses to (R)-tridecan-2-ol already at 0.001 ng/µL and only at a 1000-fold higher concentration for (S)-tridecan-2-ol, suggesting that only the R enantiomer is used by C. scutellaris in its natural environment. We also found strong behavioural responses to 2-dodecanol, a substance that was not detectable in the hind tibia extract of C. scutellaris, but which has been reported to be the trail pheromone of the related species C. castanea. We discuss the contribution of these results to the 'dissection and reconstruction' of strategies and mechanisms underlying the social organization of ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Scarano
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Daniele Giannetti
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (SCVSA), University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Federico Giacomazzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Jacopo Vigna
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Donato A Grasso
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (SCVSA), University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Albrecht Haase
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy.
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, Trento, Italy.
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24
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Breen AJ, Deffner D. Risk-sensitive learning is a winning strategy for leading an urban invasion. eLife 2024; 12:RP89315. [PMID: 38562050 PMCID: PMC10987091 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the unpredictable Anthropocene, a particularly pressing open question is how certain species invade urban environments. Sex-biased dispersal and learning arguably influence movement ecology, but their joint influence remains unexplored empirically, and might vary by space and time. We assayed reinforcement learning in wild-caught, temporarily captive core-, middle-, or edge-range great-tailed grackles-a bird species undergoing urban-tracking rapid range expansion, led by dispersing males. We show, across populations, both sexes initially perform similarly when learning stimulus-reward pairings, but, when reward contingencies reverse, male-versus female-grackles finish 'relearning' faster, making fewer choice-option switches. How do male grackles do this? Bayesian cognitive modelling revealed male grackles' choice behaviour is governed more strongly by the 'weight' of relative differences in recent foraging payoffs-i.e., they show more pronounced risk-sensitive learning. Confirming this mechanism, agent-based forward simulations of reinforcement learning-where we simulate 'birds' based on empirical estimates of our grackles' reinforcement learning-replicate our sex-difference behavioural data. Finally, evolutionary modelling revealed natural selection should favour risk-sensitive learning in hypothesised urban-like environments: stable but stochastic settings. Together, these results imply risk-sensitive learning is a winning strategy for urban-invasion leaders, underscoring the potential for life history and cognition to shape invasion success in human-modified environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis J Breen
- Department of Human Behavior, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLeipzigGermany
| | - Dominik Deffner
- Science of Intelligence Excellence Cluster, Technical University BerlinBerlinGermany
- Center for Adaptive Rationality, Max Planck Institute for Human DevelopmentBerlinGermany
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25
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Kerschbaumer M, Pfingstl T. Multiple factors influence claw characteristics in oribatid mites (Acari). Sci Rep 2024; 14:7687. [PMID: 38561383 PMCID: PMC10985006 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Claws, as nature's multifaceted instruments, play fundamental roles across the animal kingdom, aiding in prey capture and enabling movement across diverse terrains. Claw features often reflect the ecologies of the respective taxa and thus can provide important insights into the different lifestyles. This study explores the claw morphology of monodactylous oribatid mites through geometric morphometrics, analyzing 559 specimens from 49 species across various ecosystems. The research identifies distinct claw characteristics associated with specific habitats, revealing a significant correlation between claw morphology and the mites' environmental adaptations. Littoral mites exhibit notably larger claws compared to terrestrial counterparts, with aquatic and semiaquatic species presenting intermediate traits. The analysis shows an inverse relationship between claw curvature and sharpness, differing from patterns observed in larger animals. A trend of increasing claw bluntness with body size in terrestrial mites echoes biomechanical constraints seen in larger species. The study also observes consistent claw shapes within oribatid superfamilies, suggesting a potential, albeit muted, phylogenetic influence alongside environmental factors. These findings reveal how ecological, evolutionary, and functional aspects influence claw morphology in oribatid mites, enhancing our knowledge of arthropod biology and potentially inspiring biomimetic advances in material science and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kerschbaumer
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria.
| | - Tobias Pfingstl
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Universitaetsplatz 2, 8010, Graz, Austria
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26
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Scholz T. Gaps in parasitological research in the molecular era. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:283-291. [PMID: 38429122 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
We live in the age of molecular biology and '-omics', and molecular methods have opened up unimagined possibilities for biological research, including parasitology. However, too one-sided a focus on new approaches can lead to major gaps as less 'cool' topics are neglected. Selected areas of research are briefly discussed to highlight the gaps caused by the current excessive focus on molecular and '-omics' methods. It is crucial to combine both 'classical' and modern methods without neglecting the complexity of the interactions of parasites with their hosts and the environment (One Health concept), which is even more urgent in today's rapidly changing world. Parasitologists should be more involved in field studies and multidisciplinary assessment of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Scholz
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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27
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Dinnage R, Sarre SD, Duncan RP, Dickman CR, Edwards SV, Greenville AC, Wardle GM, Gruber B. slimr: An R package for tailor-made integrations of data in population genomic simulations over space and time. Mol Ecol Resour 2024; 24:e13916. [PMID: 38124500 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Software for realistically simulating complex population genomic processes is revolutionizing our understanding of evolutionary processes, and providing novel opportunities for integrating empirical data with simulations. However, the integration between standalone simulation software and R is currently not well developed. Here, we present slimr, an R package designed to create a seamless link between standalone software SLiM >3.0, one of the most powerful population genomic simulation frameworks, and the R development environment, with its powerful data manipulation and analysis tools. We show how slimr facilitates smooth integration between genetic data, ecological data and simulation in a single environment. The package enables pipelines that begin with data reading, cleaning and manipulation, proceed to constructing empirically based parameters and initial conditions for simulations, then to running numerical simulations and finally to retrieving simulation results in a format suitable for comparisons with empirical data - aided by advanced analysis and visualization tools provided by R. We demonstrate the use of slimr with an example from our own work on the landscape population genomics of desert mammals, highlighting the advantage of having a single integrated tool for both data analysis and simulation. slimr makes the powerful simulation ability of SLiM directly accessible to R users, allowing integrated simulation projects that incorporate empirical data without the need to switch between software environments. This should provide more opportunities for evolutionary biologists and ecologists to use realistic simulations to better understand the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell Dinnage
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Stephen D Sarre
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Richard P Duncan
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Christopher R Dickman
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scott V Edwards
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Aaron C Greenville
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Glenda M Wardle
- Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bernd Gruber
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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28
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Wang X, Wang S, Zhu J, Li L, Ma J, Zuo L, Sun X, Chen B, Yang Z. Inhibition of co-occurring weeds and young sugarcane seedling growth by perennial sugarcane root extract. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7679. [PMID: 38561368 PMCID: PMC10984977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58082-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Allelopathy is a process whereby a plant directly or indirectly promotes or inhibits growth of surrounding plants. Perennial sugarcane root extracts from various years significantly inhibited Bidens pilosa, Digitaria sanguinalis, sugarcane stem seedlings, and sugarcane tissue-cultured seedlings (P < 0.05), with maximum respective allelopathies of - 0.60, - 0.62, - 0.20, and - 0.29. Allelopathy increased with increasing concentrations for the same-year root extract, and inhibitory effects of the neutral, acidic, and alkaline components of perennial sugarcane root extract from different years were significantly stronger than those of the control for sugarcane stem seedlings (P < 0.05). The results suggest that allelopathic effects of perennial sugarcane root extract vary yearly, acids, esters and phenols could be a main reason for the allelopathic autotoxicity of sugarcane ratoons and depend on the type and content of allelochemicals present, and that allelopathy is influenced by other environmental factors within the rhizosphere such as the presence of old perennial sugarcane roots. This may be a crucial factor contributing to the decline of perennial sugarcane root health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory for the Green and Efficient Production Technology of Sugarcane, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, China
| | - Shilong Wang
- Key Laboratory for the Green and Efficient Production Technology of Sugarcane, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, China.
| | - Jinghuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory for the Green and Efficient Production Technology of Sugarcane, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, China
| | - Lei Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China.
| | - Junjun Ma
- Institute of Analysis and Testing, Beijing Academy of Science and Technology (Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis), Beijing, China
| | - Linzhi Zuo
- Key Laboratory for the Green and Efficient Production Technology of Sugarcane, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaobo Sun
- Key Laboratory for the Green and Efficient Production Technology of Sugarcane, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, China
| | - Bi Chen
- Key Laboratory for the Green and Efficient Production Technology of Sugarcane, Guangxi Science & Technology Normal University, Laibin, China
| | - Zuli Yang
- Laibin Comprehensive Experiment Station of National Sugar Industry Technical System, Laibin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Laibin, China
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29
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Yabuki A, Hoshino T, Nakamura T, Mizuno K. The copy number of the eukaryotic rRNA gene can be counted comprehensively. Microbiologyopen 2024; 13:e1399. [PMID: 38436548 PMCID: PMC10910464 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gene sequence has been widely used in molecular ecology. For instance, the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene has been widely used as a biological marker to understand microbial communities. The variety of the detected rRNA gene sequences reflects the diversity of the microorganisms existing in the analyzed sample. Their biomass can also be estimated by applying quantitative sequencing with information on rRNA gene copy numbers in genomes; however, information on rRNA gene copy numbers is still limited. Especially, the copy number in microbial eukaryotes is much less understood than that of prokaryotes, possibly because of the large and complex structure of eukaryotic genomes. In this study, we report an alternative approach that is more appropriate than the existing method of quantitative sequencing and demonstrate that the copy number of eukaryotic rRNA can be measured efficiently and comprehensively. By applying this approach widely, information on the eukaryotic rRNA copy number can be determined, and their community structures can be depicted and compared more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Yabuki
- Research Institute for Global ChangeJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and TechnologyYokosukaKanagawaJapan
- Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI‐AIMEC)YokosukaKanagawaJapan
| | - Tatsuhiko Hoshino
- Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI‐AIMEC)YokosukaKanagawaJapan
- Institute for Extra‐cutting‐edge Science and Technology Avant‐garde ResearchJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and TechnologyNankokuKochiJapan
| | - Tamiko Nakamura
- Research Institute for Global ChangeJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and TechnologyYokosukaKanagawaJapan
| | - Keiko Mizuno
- Research Institute for Global ChangeJapan Agency for Marine‐Earth Science and TechnologyYokosukaKanagawaJapan
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30
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Nowakowski K, Sługocki Ł. Contrasting responses of Thermocyclops crassus and T. oithonoides (Crustacea, Copepoda) to thermal stress. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7660. [PMID: 38561430 PMCID: PMC10984995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Thermal tolerance is a critical factor influencing the survival of living organisms. This study focuses on the thermal resistance of copepod species, Thermocyclops crassus (Fischer, 1853) and T. oithonoides (Sars G.O., 1863), with overlapping distribution ranges in Europe. Short-term heat shock experiments were conducted to assess the thermal resistance of these copepods, considering various temperature increments and exposure durations. Additionally, the study explored the influence of heat shock on egg sac shedding, a vital indicator of population dynamics. Results indicate that widely distributed T. crassus exhibits higher thermal tolerance compared to narrowly distributed T. oithonoides, with survival rates varying under different heat shock conditions. Furthermore, T. crassus demonstrated a quicker response in dropping egg sacs in response to thermal stress, suggesting a potential adaptive mechanism for the survival of adults. However, rapid egg sac droppings pose high risks for eggs facing unfavorable conditions. T. crassus, inhabiting environments with greater temperature fluctuations such as the littoral and pelagial zones, exhibited better survival mechanisms compared to T. oithonoides, which predominantly resides in the pelagic zone. The findings have implications for understanding copepod responses to global warming and thermal pollution. This research contributes insights into the adaptive strategies of thermophilic copepod species and their ecological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Nowakowski
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-715, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sługocki
- Department of Hydrobiology, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-715, Szczecin, Poland.
- Center of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-715, Szczecin, Poland.
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31
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Fadda LA, Osorio-Olvera L, Ibarra-Juárez LA, Soberón J, Lira-Noriega A. Predicting the dispersal and invasion dynamics of ambrosia beetles through demographic reconstruction and process-explicit modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7561. [PMID: 38555364 PMCID: PMC10981740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Evaluating potential routes of invasion of pathogens and vectors of sanitary importance is essential for planning and decision-making at multiple scales. An effective tool are process-explicit models that allow coupling environmental, demographic and dispersal information to evaluate population growth and range dynamics as a function of the abiotic conditions in a region. In this work we simulate multiple dispersal/invasion routes in Mexico that could be taken by ambrosia beetles and a specific symbiont, Harringtonia lauricola, responsible for a severe epiphytic of Lauraceae in North America. We used Xyleborus bispinatus Eichhoff 1868 as a study subject and estimated its demography in the laboratory in a temperature gradient (17, 20, 26, 29, 35 °C), which we then used to parameterize a process-based model to estimate its metapopulation dynamics. The maximum intrinsic growth rate of X. bispinatus is 0.13 with a thermal optimum of 26.2 °C. The models suggest important regions for the establishment and dispersal the states of Veracruz, Chiapas and Oaxaca (high host and secondary vectors diversity), the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (connectivity region), and Michoacán and Jalisco (important avocado plantations). The use of hybrid process-based models is a promising tool to refine the predictions applied to the study of biological invasions and species distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A Fadda
- Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Instituto de Ecología A.C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, C. P. 91073, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Luis Osorio-Olvera
- Laboratorio de Ecoinformática de la Biodiversidad, Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México.
- Laboratorio Nacional Conahcyt de Biología del Cambio Climático, CONAHCyT, Ciudad de México, México.
| | - Luis A Ibarra-Juárez
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Jorge Soberón
- Biodiversity Institute, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA
| | - Andrés Lira-Noriega
- Instituto de Ecología A.C., Red de Estudios Moleculares Avanzados, Carretera Antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, Veracruz, México.
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Casiraghi L, Mambretti F, Tovo A, Paraboschi EM, Suweis S, Bellini T. Synthetic eco-evolutionary dynamics in simple molecular environment. eLife 2024; 12:RP90156. [PMID: 38530348 PMCID: PMC10965223 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The understanding of eco-evolutionary dynamics, and in particular the mechanism of coexistence of species, is still fragmentary and in need of test bench model systems. To this aim we developed a variant of SELEX in vitro selection to study the evolution of a population of ∼1015 single-strand DNA oligonucleotide 'individuals'. We begin with a seed of random sequences which we select via affinity capture from ∼1012 DNA oligomers of fixed sequence ('resources') over which they compete. At each cycle ('generation'), the ecosystem is replenished via PCR amplification of survivors. Massive parallel sequencing indicates that across generations the variety of sequences ('species') drastically decreases, while some of them become populous and dominate the ecosystem. The simplicity of our approach, in which survival is granted by hybridization, enables a quantitative investigation of fitness through a statistical analysis of binding energies. We find that the strength of individual resource binding dominates the selection in the first generations, while inter- and intra-individual interactions become important in later stages, in parallel with the emergence of prototypical forms of mutualism and parasitism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Casiraghi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli CerviSegrateItaly
| | - Francesco Mambretti
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università degli Studi di PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Anna Tovo
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università degli Studi di PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Elvezia Maria Paraboschi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi MontalciniPieve EmanueleItaly
- IRCCS, Humanitas Clinical and Research CenterRozzanoItaly
| | - Samir Suweis
- Dipartimento di Fisica e Astronomia, Università degli Studi di PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Tommaso Bellini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Fratelli CerviSegrateItaly
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Beg MM, Roy SM, Moulick S, Mandal B, Kim T, Mal BC. Economic feasibility study of organic and conventional fish farming systems of Indian major carps. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7001. [PMID: 38523153 PMCID: PMC10961320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Organic aquaculture is a new approach in the modern farming system. As the capital investment is higher for setting up the organic aquaculture, it is essential to conduct an economic feasibility study with compare the conventional farming system. In the current study, economic feasibility of culturing Indian major carps (IMC) using conventional culture system and organic culture system (OCS) were evaluated. IMC was cultured for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 in experimental ponds of 0.015 hectare (ha) area each. The crude protein content of the organic and conventional feed was maintained at the same iso-nitrogenous level (32% crude protein) but the highest production to the tune of 19 tons per ha was obtained in OCS. Further, in case of OCS, apart from fish production, vermicomposting to the tune of 45,000 kg ha-1 in the first year, and 90,000 kg ha-1 from second year onward is achievable by installing a vermicomposting unit of 200 tons annual capacity. Economic analysis of the culture systems assuming a project period of 10 years showed that the highest net present value (NPV) of 1.06 million USD, a payback period of one year and nine months and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 51% are achievable per ha of fish culture pond for OCS. Sensitivity analysis of various costs performed for OCS revealed that profitability of the organic fish farming investment is most sensitive to the total fish production and sale price of the organic fishes. In terms of production of fish and economics of organic culture system is proved to be the best available technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Masum Beg
- Department of Fisheries Sciences, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, 721 102, West Bengal, India
| | - Subha M Roy
- Smart Aquaculture Research Centre, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sanjib Moulick
- School of Civil Engineering, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Basudev Mandal
- Department of Fisheries Sciences, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, 721 102, West Bengal, India
| | - Taeho Kim
- Smart Aquaculture Research Centre, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Bimal C Mal
- Agricultural and Food Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, West Bengal, India
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Zwahlen J, Gairin E, Vianello S, Mercader M, Roux N, Laudet V. The ecological function of thyroid hormones. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220511. [PMID: 38310932 PMCID: PMC10838650 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (TH) are central hormonal regulators, orchestrating gene expression and complex biological processes vital for growth and reproduction in variable environments by triggering specific developmental processes in response to external cues. TH serve distinct roles in different species: inducing metamorphosis in amphibians or teleost fishes, governing metabolic processes in mammals, and acting as effectors of seasonality. These multifaceted roles raise questions about the underlying mechanisms of TH action. Recent evidence suggests a shared ecological role of TH across vertebrates, potentially extending to a significant portion of bilaterian species. According to this model, TH ensure that ontogenetic transitions align with environmental conditions, particularly in terms of energy expenditure, helping animals to match their ontogenetic transition with available resources. This alignment spans post-embryonic developmental transitions common to all vertebrates and more subtle adjustments during seasonal changes. The underlying logic of TH function is to synchronize transitions with the environment. This review briefly outlines the fundamental mechanisms of thyroid signalling and shows various ways in which animals use this hormonal system in natural environments. Lastly, we propose a model linking TH signalling, environmental conditions, ontogenetic trajectory and metabolism. This article is part of the theme issue 'Endocrine responses to environmental variation: conceptual approaches and recent developments'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jann Zwahlen
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Emma Gairin
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Stefano Vianello
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology (ICOB), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Lan 262, Taiwan
| | - Manon Mercader
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Natacha Roux
- Computational Neuroethology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Vincent Laudet
- Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology (ICOB), Academia Sinica, Taipei, Lan 262, Taiwan
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Duckwall C, Largier JL, Wieters EA, Valdovinos FS. Modeling time-varying phytoplankton subsidy reveals at-risk species in a Chilean intertidal ecosystem. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6995. [PMID: 38523196 PMCID: PMC10961311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The allometric trophic network (ATN) framework for modeling population dynamics has provided numerous insights into ecosystem functioning in recent years. Herein we extend ATN modeling of the intertidal ecosystem off central Chile to include empirical data on pelagic chlorophyll-a concentration. This intertidal community requires subsidy of primary productivity to support its rich ecosystem. Previous work models this subsidy using a constant rate of phytoplankton input to the system. However, data shows pelagic subsidies exhibit highly variable, pulse-like behavior. The primary contribution of our work is incorporating this variable input into ATN modeling to simulate how this ecosystem may respond to pulses of pelagic phytoplankton. Our model results show that: (1) closely related sea snails respond differently to phytoplankton variability, which is explained by the underlying network structure of the food web; (2) increasing the rate of pelagic-intertidal mixing increases fluctuations in species' biomasses that may increase the risk of local extirpation; (3) predators are the most sensitive species to phytoplankton biomass fluctuations, putting these species at greater risk of extirpation than others. Finally, our work provides a straightforward way to incorporate empirical, time-series data into the ATN framework that will expand this powerful methodology to new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Duckwall
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Wickson Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Graduate Group in Applied Mathematics, University of California, Davis, Mathematical Sciences Building, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - John L Largier
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Wickson Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, 2099 Westshore Drive, Bodega Bay, CA, 94923, USA
| | - Evie A Wieters
- Estación Costera de Investigaciones Marinas and Millennium Nucleus for the Ecology and Conservation of Temperate Mesophotic Reef Ecosystems (NUTME), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Osvaldo Marin 1672, Las Cruces, Chile
| | - Fernanda S Valdovinos
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California, Davis, Wickson Hall, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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Beaudrot L, Acevedo MA, Gorczynski D, Harris NC. Geographic differences in body size distributions underlie food web connectance of tropical forest mammals. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6965. [PMID: 38521800 PMCID: PMC10960815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding variation in food web structure over large spatial scales is an emerging research agenda in food web ecology. The density of predator-prey links in a food web (i.e., connectance) is a key measure of network complexity that describes the mean proportional dietary breadth of species within a food web. Connectance is a critical component of food web robustness to species loss: food webs with lower connectance have been shown to be more susceptible to secondary extinctions. Identifying geographic variation in food web connectance and its drivers may provide insight into community robustness to species loss. We investigated the food web connectance of ground-dwelling tropical forest mammal communities in multiple biogeographic regions to test for differences among regions in food web connectance and to test three potential drivers: primary productivity, contemporary anthropogenic pressure, and variation in mammal body mass distributions reflective of historical extinctions. Mammal communities from fifteen protected forests throughout the Neo-, Afro-, and Asian tropics were identified from systematic camera trap arrays. Predator-prey interaction data were collected from published literature, and we calculated connectance for each community as the number of observed predator-prey links relative to the number of possible predator-prey links. We used generalized linear models to test for differences among regions and to identify the site level characteristics that best predicted connectance. We found that mammal food web connectance varied significantly among continents and that body size range was the only significant predictor. More possible predator-prey links were observed in communities with smaller ranges in body size and therefore sites with smaller body size ranges had higher mean proportional dietary breadth. Specifically, mammal communities in the Neotropics and in Madagascar had significantly higher connectance than mammal communities in Africa. This geographic variation in contemporary mammalian food web structure may be the product of historical extinctions in the Late Quaternary, which led to greater losses of large-bodied species in the Neotropics and Madagascar thus contributing to higher average proportional dietary breadth among the remaining smaller bodied species in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Beaudrot
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
| | - Miguel A Acevedo
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Gorczynski
- Program in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nyeema C Harris
- Applied Wildlife Ecology Lab, School of the Environment, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Hallas-Mølle M, Burow M, Henrissat B, Johansen KS. Cryptococcus neoformans: plant-microbe interactions and ecology. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00059-3. [PMID: 38519353 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
While the opportunistic human pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are often isolated from plants and plant-related material, evidence suggests that these Cryptococcus species do not directly infect plants. Studies find that plants are important for Cryptococcus mating and dispersal. However, these studies have not provided enough detail about how plants and these fungi interact, especially in ways that could show the fungi are capable of causing disease. This review synthesizes recent findings from studies utilizing different plant models associated with the ecology of C. neoformans and C. gattii. Unanswered questions about their environmental role are highlighted. Overall, current research indicates that Cryptococcus utilizes plants as a substrate rather than harming them, arguing against Cryptococcus as a genuine plant pathogen. We hypothesize that plants represent reservoirs that aid dispersal, not hosts vulnerable to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Hallas-Mølle
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Meike Burow
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Bernard Henrissat
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 224, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Katja Salomon Johansen
- Department of Geoscience and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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Sienkiewicz A, Krasowska M, Kowczyk-Sadowy M, Obidziński S, Piotrowska-Niczyporuk A, Bajguz A. Occurrence of plant hormones in composts made from organic fraction of agri-food industry waste. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6808. [PMID: 38514768 PMCID: PMC10957972 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Utilizing the organic fraction of agri-food industry waste for fertilization represents one approach to waste management, with composting emerging as a popular method. Composts derived from this waste may contain plant hormones alongside primary macronutrients. This study aimed to evaluate the content of plant hormones in composts crafted from the organic fraction of agri-food industry waste. The presence of these substances was ascertained using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, applied to extracted samples from three composts produced in a bioreactor and three obtained from companies. The results indicate the presence of 35 compounds, which belong to six types of plant hormones: auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, brassinosteroids, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid, in composts for the first time. The highest amount of plant hormones was noted in buckwheat husk and biohumus extract (35 compounds), and the lowest in hemp chaff and apple pomace (14 compounds). Brassinosteroids (e.g., brassinolide, 28-homobrassinolide, 24-epicastasterone, 24-epibrassinolide, and 28-norbrassinolide) and auxins (e.g., indolilo-3-acetic acid) are dominant. The highest concentration of total phytohormones was reported in biohumus extract (2026.42 ng g-1 dry weight), and the lowest in organic compost (0.18 ng g-1 dry weight).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sienkiewicz
- Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Environmental Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Krasowska
- Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Environmental Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kowczyk-Sadowy
- Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Environmental Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sławomir Obidziński
- Department of Agri-Food Engineering and Environmental Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45E, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Alicja Piotrowska-Niczyporuk
- Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J, 15-245, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Andrzej Bajguz
- Department of Biology and Plant Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bialystok, Ciolkowskiego 1J, 15-245, Bialystok, Poland
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Lillie M, Pettersson M, Jern P. Contrasting segregation patterns among endogenous retroviruses across the koala population. Commun Biol 2024; 7:350. [PMID: 38514810 PMCID: PMC10957985 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) have experienced a history of retroviral epidemics leaving their trace as heritable endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in their genomes. A recently identified ERV lineage, named phaCin-β, shows a pattern of recent, possibly current, activity with high insertional polymorphism in the population. Here, we investigate geographic patterns of three focal ERV lineages of increasing estimated ages, from the koala retrovirus (KoRV) to phaCin-β and to phaCin-β-like, using the whole-genome sequencing of 430 koalas from the Koala Genome Survey. Thousands of ERV loci were found across the population, with contrasting patterns of polymorphism. Northern individuals had thousands of KoRV integrations and hundreds of phaCin-β ERVs. In contrast, southern individuals had higher phaCin-β frequencies, possibly reflecting more recent activity and a founder effect. Overall, our findings suggest high ERV burden in koalas, reflecting historic retrovirus-host interactions. Importantly, the ERV catalogue supplies improved markers for conservation genetics in this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Lillie
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Mats Pettersson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Patric Jern
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Masłyk M, Lenard T, Olech M, Martyna A, Poniewozik M, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Kochanowicz E, Czubak P, Kubiński K. Ceratophyllum demersum the submerged macrophyte from the mining subsidence reservoir Nadrybie Poland as a source of anticancer agents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6661. [PMID: 38509188 PMCID: PMC10954700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57375-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aquatic plants are a rich source of health-beneficial substances. One of such organisms is the submerged macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum, which has not been sufficiently studied in this aspect so far. In this work, we have studied environmental conditions prevailing in a subsidence mining reservoir in Eastern Poland and shown that C. demersum can be harvested for further analysis even from artificial anthropogenic reservoirs. The phytochemical analysis of C. demersum ethanolic extract using LC-MS revealed high content of phenolic compounds (18.50 mg/g) (mainly flavonoids, 16.09 mg/g), including those that have not yet been identified in this plant, namely isorhamnetin, sakuranetin, taxifolin, and eriodictyol. Such rich flavonoid content is most likely responsible for the anticancer activity of the C. demersum extract, which was targeted especially at neoplastic cells of gastrointestinal tract origin. The flow cytometry analysis of treated cells showed an increased percentage of late apoptotic and necrotic cells. The fish embryo toxicity (FET) test showed safety of the extract towards Danio rerio fish up to the concentration of 225 µg/ml. This study has shown that the submerged macrophyte Ceratophyllum demersum can be taken into consideration as a rich source of a set of anticancer agents with chemopreventive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Lenard
- Department of Animal Physiology and Toxicology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Olech
- Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical University of Lublin, Ul. Chodźki 1, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Martyna
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Poniewozik
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Ul. Chodźki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Kochanowicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Czubak
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland
| | - Konrad Kubiński
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Ul. Konstantynów 1I, 20-708, Lublin, Poland.
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Diffendorfer JE, Botello F, Drummond MA, Ancona ZH, Corro LM, Thogmartin WE, Ibsen PC, Moreno-Sanchez R, Lukens L, Sánchez-Cordero V. Changes in landscape and climate in Mexico and Texas reveal small effects on migratory habitat of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). Sci Rep 2024; 14:6703. [PMID: 38509089 PMCID: PMC10954652 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56693-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The decline of the iconic monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) in North America has motivated research on the impacts of land use and land cover (LULC) change and climate variability on monarch habitat and population dynamics. We investigated spring and fall trends in LULC, milkweed and nectar resources over a 20-year period, and ~ 30 years of climate variables in Mexico and Texas, U.S. This region supports spring breeding, and spring and fall migration during the annual life cycle of the monarch. We estimated a - 2.9% decline in milkweed in Texas, but little to no change in Mexico. Fall and spring nectar resources declined < 1% in both study extents. Vegetation greenness increased in the fall and spring in Mexico while the other climate variables did not change in both Mexico and Texas. Monarch habitat in Mexico and Texas appears relatively more intact than in the midwestern, agricultural landscapes of the U.S. Given the relatively modest observed changes in nectar and milkweed, the relatively stable climate conditions, and increased vegetation greenness in Mexico, it seems unlikely that habitat loss (quantity or quality) in Mexico and Texas has caused large declines in population size or survival during migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay E Diffendorfer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Lakewood, CO, USA.
| | - Francisco Botello
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- Departamento de Monitoreo Biológico y Planeación de Conservación, Conservación Biológica y Desarrollo Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mark A Drummond
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Lakewood, CO, USA
| | - Zach H Ancona
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Lakewood, CO, USA
| | - Lucila M Corro
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Lakewood, CO, USA
| | - Wayne E Thogmartin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, WI, USA
| | - Peter C Ibsen
- U.S. Geological Survey, Geosciences and Environmental Change Science Center, Lakewood, CO, USA
| | - Rafael Moreno-Sanchez
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, 1200 Larimer St, NC 3016-C, Denver, CO, 80204, USA
| | - Laura Lukens
- Monarch Joint Venture, 2233 University Ave W., Suite 426, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Forestry & Rangeland Science, Colorado State University, 1472 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Victor Sánchez-Cordero
- Departamento de Zoología, Instituto de Biología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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Vagenas G, Karachle PK, Oikonomou A, Stoumboudi MT, Zenetos A. Decoding the spread of non-indigenous fishes in the Mediterranean Sea. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6669. [PMID: 38509139 PMCID: PMC10954742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57109-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The ocean is dynamically changing due to the influence of climate processes and human activities. The construction of the Suez Canal in the late nineteenth century opened the Pandora's box by facilitating the dispersal of Red Sea species in the Mediterranean Sea. In this study, we developed an open-source spatio-temporal numerical analysis framework to decodify the complex spread of Mediterranean non-indigenous fish species (NIS) that entered through the Suez Canal. We utilized 772 historical detection records of 130 NIS to disentangle their dynamic spread through space and time. The results indicated that species follow a north-westward trajectory with an average expansion time step of 2.5 years. Additionally, we estimated the overall time for a NIS to reach the Central Mediterranean Sea from the Suez Canal at approximately 22 years. Based on the analysis, more than half of the introduced fishes have been established in less than 10 years. Finally, we proceeded in the cross-validation of our results using actual spread patterns of invasive fishes of the Mediterranean Sea, resulting up to 90% of temporal and spatial agreement. The methodology and the findings presented herein may contribute to management initiatives in highly invaded regions around the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Vagenas
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece.
| | - Paraskevi K Karachle
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Anthi Oikonomou
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Maria Th Stoumboudi
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
| | - Argyro Zenetos
- Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, 46.7km Athens-Sounio Av., 19013, Anavissos, Greece
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Briatico G, Bocherens H, Geraads D, Melis RT, Mussi M. The Pleistocene high-elevation environments between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) based upon stable isotope analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6619. [PMID: 38503829 PMCID: PMC10950861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56768-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pleistocene environments are among the most studied issues in paleoecology and human evolution research in eastern Africa. Many data have been recorded from archaeological sites located at low and medium elevations (≤ 1500 m), whereas few contexts are known at 2000 m and above. Here, we present a substantial isotopic study from Melka Kunture, a complex of prehistoric sites located at 2000-2200 m above sea level in the central Ethiopian highlands. We analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of 308 faunal tooth enamel samples from sites dated between 2.02 and 0.6 Ma to investigate the animal diets and habitats. The carbon isotopic results indicate that the analyzed taxa had C4-dominated and mixed C3-C4 diets with no significant diachronic changes in feeding behavior with time. This is consistent with faunal and phytolith analyses, which suggested environments characterized by open grasslands (with both C3 and C4 grasses), patches of bushes and thickets, and aquatic vegetation. However, palynological data previously documented mountain forests, woodlands, and high-elevation grasslands. Additionally, the carbon isotopic comparison with other eastern African localities shows that differences in elevation did not influence animal feeding strategies and habitat partitioning, even though plant species vary according to altitudinal gradients. In contrast, the oxygen isotopic comparison suggests significant differences consistent with the altitude effect. Our approach allows us to detect diverse aspects of animal behavior, habitat, and vegetation that should be considered when reconstructing past environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Briatico
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Dell'Antichità, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Hölderlinstrasse 12, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
- Italo-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Melka Kunture and Balchit, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia.
| | - Hervé Bocherens
- Department of Geosciences, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Hölderlinstrasse 12, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
- Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment, Sigwartstrasse 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Denis Geraads
- CR2P, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, CP 38, 8 Rue Buffon, 75231, Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Rita T Melis
- Italo-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Melka Kunture and Balchit, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Chimiche E Geologiche, Università Di Cagliari, 09042, Cittadella Di Monserrato, Italy
- CNR-IGAG, Piazzale Aldo Moro 7, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Mussi
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Dell'Antichità, Sapienza Università Di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
- Italo-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Melka Kunture and Balchit, Melka Kunture, Ethiopia
- ISMEO, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 244, 00186, Rome, Italy
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Duran DP, Laroche RA, Roman SJ, Godwin W, Herrmann DP, Bull E, Egan SP. Species delimitation, discovery and conservation in a tiger beetle species complex despite discordant genetic data. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6617. [PMID: 38503840 PMCID: PMC10951344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56875-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In an age of species declines, delineating and discovering biodiversity is critical for both taxonomic accuracy and conservation. In recent years, there has been a movement away from using exclusively morphological characters to delineate and describe taxa and an increase in the use of molecular markers to describe diversity or through integrative taxonomy, which employs traditional morphological characters, as well as genetic or other data. Tiger beetles are charismatic, of conservation concern, and much work has been done on the morphological delineation of species and subspecies, but few of these taxa have been tested with genetic analyses. In this study, we tested morphologically based taxonomic hypotheses of polymorphic tiger beetles in the Eunota circumpicta (LaFerté-Sénectère, 1841) species complex using multilocus genomic and mtDNA analyses. We find multiple cryptic species within the previous taxonomic concept of Eunota circumpicta, some of which were historically recognized as subspecies. We found that the mtDNA and genomic datasets did not identify the same taxonomic units and that the mtDNA was most at odds with all other genetic and morphological patterns. Overall, we describe new cryptic diversity, which raises important conservation concerns, and provide a working example for testing species and subspecies validity despite discordant data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Duran
- Department of Environmental Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA.
| | - Robert A Laroche
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Stephen J Roman
- Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Gainesville, FL, 32608, USA
| | - William Godwin
- Sam Houston State Natural History Collection, Huntsville, TX, 77340, USA
| | | | - Ethan Bull
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
| | - Scott P Egan
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77005, USA
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45
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Stuart J, Ryan KG, Pearman JK, Thomson-Laing J, Hampton HG, Smith KF. A comparison of two gene regions for assessing community composition of eukaryotic marine microalgae from coastal ecosystems. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6442. [PMID: 38499675 PMCID: PMC10948787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56993-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Two gene regions commonly used to characterise the diversity of eukaryotic communities using metabarcoding are the 18S ribosomal DNA V4 and V9 gene regions. We assessed the effectiveness of these two regions for characterising diverisity of coastal eukaryotic microalgae communities (EMCs) from tropical and temperate sites. We binned amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) into the high level taxonomic groups: dinoflagellates, pennate diatoms, radial centric diatoms, polar centric diatoms, chlorophytes, haptophytes and 'other microalgae'. When V4 and V9 generated ASV abundances were compared, the V9 region generated a higher number of raw reads, captured more diversity from all high level taxonomic groups and was more closely aligned with the community composition determined using light microscopy. The V4 region did resolve more ASVs to a deeper taxonomic resolution within the dinoflagellates, but did not effectively resolve other major taxonomic divisions. When characterising these communities via metabarcoding, the use of multiple gene regions is recommended, but the V9 gene region can be used in isolation to provide high-level community biodiversity to reflect relative abundances within groups. This approach reduces the cost of sequencing multiple gene regions whilst still providing important baseline ecosystem function information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqui Stuart
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand.
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand.
| | - Ken G Ryan
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, 6140, New Zealand
| | - John K Pearman
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Kirsty F Smith
- Cawthron Institute, Private Bag 2, Nelson, 7042, New Zealand
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46
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Yan Y, Jarvie S, Zhang Q. Habitat loss weakens the positive relationship between grassland plant richness and above-ground biomass. eLife 2024; 12:RP91193. [PMID: 38497752 PMCID: PMC10948147 DOI: 10.7554/elife.91193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss and fragmentation per se have been shown to be a major threat to global biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, little is known about how habitat loss and fragmentation per se alters the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function (BEF relationship) in the natural landscape context. Based on 130 landscapes identified by a stratified random sampling in the agro-pastoral ecotone of northern China, we investigated the effects of landscape context (habitat loss and fragmentation per se) on plant richness, above-ground biomass, and the relationship between them in grassland communities using a structural equation model. We found that habitat loss directly decreased plant richness and hence decreased above-ground biomass, while fragmentation per se directly increased plant richness and hence increased above-ground biomass. Fragmentation per se also directly decreased soil water content and hence decreased above-ground biomass. Meanwhile, habitat loss decreased the magnitude of the positive relationship between plant richness and above-ground biomass by reducing the percentage of grassland specialists in the community, while fragmentation per se had no significant modulating effect on this relationship. These results demonstrate that habitat loss and fragmentation per se have inconsistent effects on BEF, with the BEF relationship being modulated by landscape context. Our findings emphasise that habitat loss rather than fragmentation per se can weaken the positive BEF relationship by decreasing the degree of habitat specialisation of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhi Yan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
| | | | - Qing Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Ecology and Resource Use of the Mongolian Plateau, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia UniversityHohhotChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Grassland Ecological Security (Jointly Supported by the Ministry of Education of China and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region)HohhotChina
- Autonomous Region Collaborative Innovation Center for Integrated Management of Water Resources and Water Environment in the Inner Mongolia Reaches of the Yellow RiverHohhotChina
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47
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Jiang M, Dong C, Bian W, Zhang W, Wang Y. Effects of different fertilization practices on maize yield, soil nutrients, soil moisture, and water use efficiency in northern China based on a meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6480. [PMID: 38499586 PMCID: PMC10948899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of fertilizer to ensure the steady improvement of crop yield has become the main means of agricultural production. However, it remains to be determined whether fertilization practices with different combinations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and organic (O) fertilizers play a positive role in the sustainability of maize yield and the soil in which it is grown. Therefore,this meta-analysis extracted 2663 data points from 76 studies to systematically analyze and explore the effects of different fertilization measures on maize yield, soil nutrients, water content and water use efficiency (WUE) in northern China. Articles addressing this topic showed that fertilization effectively increased the soil nutrient content and maize yield. The soil organic matter (SOM) increased by 2.36 (N)-55.38% (NPO), total nitrogen content increased by 6.10 (N)-56.39% (NPO), available phosphorus content increased by 17.12 (N)-474.74% (NPO), and available potassium content changed by - 2.90 (NP)-64.40% (NPO). Soil moisture increased by 3.59% under a single organic fertilizer application and decreased by 4.27-13.40% under the other treatments. Compared with no fertilization, the yield increase of fertilized maize reached 11.65-220.42%. NP, NPK and NPKO contributed the most to increased yield in lithological, black and fluvo-aquic soils, respectively. The effects of different fertilization practices on maize yield varied in response to the same meteorological factors. The WUE increased from 9.51 to 160.72%. In conclusion, rational fertilization can improve the soil nutrient content and increase maize yield. The combined application of chemical and organic fertilizer showed the greatest increase in yield and WUE. Organic fertilizer application alone increased soil moisture. Our results provide a theoretical basis for fertilizer application and for improving the soil structure for maize cultivation in northern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Jiang
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Chao Dong
- Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot, 010051, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Wenpeng Bian
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Wenbei Zhang
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yong Wang
- School of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
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48
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Álvarez-Holguín A, Morales-Nieto CR, Corrales-Lerma R, Ochoa-Rivero JM, Ponce-García OC, Prieto-Amparán JA, Vega-Mares JH, Villarreal-Guerrero F. Grass species with potential for rangelands restoration in northern Mexico: an assessment with environmental niche modeling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6318. [PMID: 38491325 PMCID: PMC10943106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56918-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental niche modeling (ENM) has emerged as a promising tool for identifying grass species with potential for rangeland restoration. This approach can detect suitable areas and environments where these species can be planted. In this study, we employed ENM to estimate the potential distribution range of 50 grass species of the grasslands and shrublands of northern Mexico. The outcome of the ENM served to identify grass species with potential for restoration in Mexico, especially those not commonly used for that purpose in the past. Results suggested the possibility of selecting seven grass species with the potential for revegetating degraded grasslands, nine for shrublands, and six for alkaline soils. This research provides insights into the environmental adaptations of different grass species distributed in the rangelands of northern Mexico. Ecologists, conservation planners, researchers, and range managers could use these outcomes and the maps of the potential distribution ranges as supportive information to conduct effective restoration efforts. In turn, this can assist in increasing the probability of success of future rangelands restoration programs, which are often costly in terms of financial investments and labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Álvarez-Holguín
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Carlos Raúl Morales-Nieto
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Raúl Corrales-Lerma
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Jesús Manuel Ochoa-Rivero
- Campo Experimental La Campana, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carretera Chihuahua-Ojinaga Km. 33.3, 32190, Aldama, Chih., Mexico
| | - Omar Castor Ponce-García
- Campo Experimental La Campana, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Carretera Chihuahua-Ojinaga Km. 33.3, 32190, Aldama, Chih., Mexico
| | - Jesús Alejandro Prieto-Amparán
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - José Humberto Vega-Mares
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico
| | - Federico Villarreal-Guerrero
- Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada Km 1, 31453, Chihuahua, Chih., Mexico.
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49
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Mullins L, Cartwright J, Dykstra SL, Evans K, Mareska J, Matich P, Plumlee JD, Sparks E, Drymon JM. Warming waters lead to increased habitat suitability for juvenile bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas). Sci Rep 2024; 14:4100. [PMID: 38485970 PMCID: PMC10940676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and other stressors, including urbanization and overfishing. Consequently, distributions of coastal fish have begun to change, particularly in response to increasing temperatures linked to climate change. However, few studies have evaluated how natural and anthropogenic disturbances can alter species distributions in conjunction with geophysical habitat alterations, such as changes to land use and land cover (LU/LC). Here, we examine the spatiotemporal changes in the distribution of juvenile bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) using a multi-decadal fishery-independent survey of coastal Alabama. Using a boosted regression tree (BRT) modeling framework, we assess the covariance of environmental conditions (sea surface temperature, depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, riverine discharge, Chl-a) as well as historic changes to LU/LC to the distribution of bull sharks. Species distribution models resultant from BRTs for early (2003-2005) and recent (2018-2020) monitoring periods indicated a mean increase in habitat suitability (i.e., probability of capture) for juvenile bull sharks from 0.028 to 0.082, concomitant with substantial increases in mean annual temperature (0.058°C/yr), Chl-a (2.32 mg/m3), and urbanization (increased LU/LC) since 2000. These results align with observed five-fold increases in the relative abundance of juvenile bull sharks across the study period and demonstrate the impacts of changing environmental conditions on their distribution and relative abundance. As climate change persists, coastal communities will continue to change, altering the structure of ecological communities and the success of nearshore fisheries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Mullins
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS, USA.
- Northern Gulf Institute, Starkville, MS, USA.
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
| | | | - Steven L Dykstra
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Science, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Kristine Evans
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - John Mareska
- Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Dauphin Island, AL, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D Plumlee
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Eric Sparks
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS, USA
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Ocean Springs, MS, USA
| | - J Marcus Drymon
- Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, Biloxi, MS, USA
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
- Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, Ocean Springs, MS, USA
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50
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Xing Q, Wu C, Chen F, Liu J, Pradhan P, Bryan BA, Schaubroeck T, Carrasco LR, Gonsamo A, Li Y, Chen X, Deng X, Albanese A, Li Y, Xu Z. Intranational synergies and trade-offs reveal common and differentiated priorities of sustainable development goals in China. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2251. [PMID: 38480716 PMCID: PMC10937989 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46491-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Accelerating efforts for the Sustainable Development Goals requires understanding their synergies and trade-offs at the national and sub-national levels, which will help identify the key hurdles and opportunities to prioritize them in an indivisible manner for a country. Here, we present the importance of the 17 goals through synergy and trade-off networks. Our results reveal that 19 provinces show the highest trade-offs in SDG13 (Combating Climate Change) or SDG5 (Gender Equality) consistent with the national level, with other 12 provinces varying. 24 provinces show the highest synergies in SDG1 (No Poverty) or SDG6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) consistent with the national level, with the remaining 7 provinces varying. These common but differentiated SDG priorities reflect that to ensure a coordinated national response, China should pay more attention to the provincial situation, so that provincial governments can formulate more targeted policies in line with their own priorities towards accelerating sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Xing
- International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, 100094, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Digital Earth Science, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100094, Beijing, China
| | - Chaoyang Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Fang Chen
- International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals, 100094, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Digital Earth Science, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100094, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Prajal Pradhan
- Integrated Research on Energy, Environment and Society (IREES), Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG), University of Groningen, Groningen, 9747 AG, Netherlands
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, 14473, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Brett A Bryan
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - L Roman Carrasco
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Alemu Gonsamo
- School of Earth, Environment & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yunkai Li
- College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuzhi Chen
- College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangzheng Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andrea Albanese
- Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Maison des Sciences Humaines, 11, Porte des Sciences, L-4366, Esch-sur-Alzette/Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Yingjie Li
- Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Zhenci Xu
- Department of Geography, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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