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White BE, Hovenden MJ, Barmuta LA. Multifunctional redundancy: Impossible or undetected? Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10409. [PMID: 37593757 PMCID: PMC10427898 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10409] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The diversity-functioning relationship is a pillar of ecology. Two significant concepts have emerged from this relationship: redundancy, the asymptotic relationship between diversity and functioning, and multifunctionality, a monotonic relationship between diversity and multiple functions occurring simultaneously. However, multifunctional redundancy, an asymptotic relationship between diversity and multiple functions occurring simultaneously, is rarely detected in research. Here we assess whether this lack of detection is due to its true rarity, or due to systematic research error. We discuss how inconsistencies in the use of terms such as 'function' lead to mismatched research. We consider the different techniques used to calculate multifunctionality and point out a rarely considered issue: how determining a function's maximum rate affects multifunctionality metrics. Lastly, we critique how a lack of consideration of multitrophic, spatiotemporal, interactions and community assembly processes in designed experiments significantly reduces the likelihood of detecting multifunctional redundancy. Multifunctionality research up to this stage has made significant contributions to our understanding of the diversity-functioning relationship, and we believe that multifunctional redundancy is detectable with the use of appropriate methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget E. White
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Mark J. Hovenden
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmaniaAustralia
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2
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Stevens H, Sanz Rodriguez E, Paull B, Bowie AR, Chase Z, Barmuta LA, Proemse BC. A fast and simple extraction method for analysing levoglucosan and its isomers in sediments by ion chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Methods 2023. [PMID: 37199214 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00278k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The ability to trace current and past biomass burning events is important for understanding the links between human activity, fire frequency, and climate. One method of tracing biomass burning is to measure the concentrations of certain monosaccharides anhydrides (MAs), specifically levoglucosan (LEV) and its isomers, mannosan (MAN) and galactosan (GAL), which are products of cellulose and hemicellulose pyrolysis. This work presents a simple extraction method allowing for the rapid, sensitive, and selective determination of MAs in sediments. MAs detection was performed using suppressed ion chromatography with electrospray - triple-stage quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (IC-TSQ-MS). The extraction method involves ultrasound probe sonication using water as the solvent. Extraction time, amplitude, and sonication mode were optimised. Recoveries higher than 86% for all MAs tested were achieved by applying 70% amplitude in continuous mode for 60 s. Analytical performance of the method included instrumental LODs of 0.10, 0.12 and 0.50 μg L-1 for LEV, MAN and GAL, respectively. No carryover issues, no matrix effect and no co-elution of targeted MAs with other sugars likely present in sediments samples were observed. The developed extraction method was further validated by the analysis of LEV and MAN in NIST® 1649b urban dust reference material and the resulting concentrations were in excellent agreement with previously reported values. MAs quantification in 70 lake sediment samples were carried out with concentrations found to range from 0.009 to 0.390 μg g-1 for LEV and from 0.009 to 0.194 μg g-1 for MAN. Plotting MAs concentrations versus approximate sediment age allowed the reconstruction of recent fire events impacting two locations in the Central Highlands of Tasmania, Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Stevens
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Estrella Sanz Rodriguez
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-75, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | - Brett Paull
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-75, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.
| | - Andrew R Bowie
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
- Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE CRC), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 80, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Zanna Chase
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Bernadette C Proemse
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
- Derwent Estuary Program, 24 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
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3
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Dean AT, Brandle R, Barmuta LA, Jones ME, Jansen J. Rabbit warrens: an important resource for invasive alien species in semi-arid Australia. Wildl Res 2023. [DOI: 10.1071/wr22154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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4
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Alden Hull R, Barmuta LA, Pinkard E, Jones ME, Adams VM, Lin C, Horner CA. Unlocking environmental accounting for healthy future landscapes. People and Nature 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Alden Hull
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | | | - Menna E. Jones
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Vanessa M. Adams
- School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Chia‐Chin Lin
- School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Claire A. Horner
- Tasmanian School of Business and Economics University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
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5
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Cliff HB, Jones ME, Johnson CN, Pech RP, Biemans BT, Barmuta LA, Norbury GL. Rapid gain and loss of predator recognition by an evolutionarily naïve lizard. AUSTRAL ECOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.13148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B. Cliff
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
- Indigenous Desert Alliance 587 Newcastle St West Perth Western Australia 6005 Australia
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Chris N. Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Roger P. Pech
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research PO Box 69040 Lincoln 7640 New Zealand
| | - Bart T. Biemans
- Wageningen University and Research Wageningen The Netherlands
- Arcadis Nederland B.V. 5223 LL s‐Hertogenbosch The Netherlands
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Grant L. Norbury
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research PO Box 176 Alexandra 9340 New Zealand
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6
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Jones ME, Bain GC, Hamer RP, Proft KM, Gardiner RZ, Dixon KJ, Kittipalawattanapol K, Zepeda de Alba AL, Ranyard CE, Munks SA, Barmuta LA, Burridge CP, Johnson CN, Davidson NJ. Research supporting restoration aiming to make a fragmented landscape ‘functional’ for native wildlife. Eco Management Restoration 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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7
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Pay JM, Katzner TE, Hawkins CE, Barmuta LA, Brown WE, Wiersma JM, Koch AJ, Mooney NJ, Cameron EZ. Endangered Australian top predator is frequently exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides. Sci Total Environ 2021; 788:147673. [PMID: 34022576 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) used to control mammalian pest populations cause secondary exposure of predatory species throughout much of the world. It is important to understand the drivers of non-target AR exposure patterns as context for assessing long-term effects and developing effective mitigation for these toxicants. In Australia, however, little is known about exposure and effects of ARs on predators. We detected AR residues in 74% of 50 opportunistically collected carcasses of the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi), an endangered apex predator. In 22% of birds tested, or 31% of those exposed, liver concentrations of second generation ARs (SGARs) were >0.1 mg/kg ww. Eagles were exposed to flocoumafen, a toxicant only available from agricultural suppliers, at an exceptionally high rate (40% of birds tested). Liver SGAR concentrations were positively associated with the proportion of agricultural habitat and human population density in the area around where each eagle died. The high exposure rate in a species not known to regularly prey upon synanthropic rodents supports the hypothesis that apex predators are vulnerable to SGARs. Our results indicate that AR exposure constitutes a previously unrecognized threat to Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles and highlight the importance of efforts to address non-target AR exposure in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Pay
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - Todd E Katzner
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Clare E Hawkins
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - William E Brown
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jason M Wiersma
- Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Amelia J Koch
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; Forest Practices Authority, 30 Patrick St, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Nick J Mooney
- Birdlife Australia Raptor Group, Birldlife Australia, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Elissa Z Cameron
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, CHC, New Zealand
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8
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Kittipalawattanapol K, Jones ME, Barmuta LA, Bain G. Assessing the value of restoration plantings for wildlife in a temperate agricultural landscape. Restor Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania 7005 Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania 7005 Australia
| | - Glen Bain
- School of Natural Sciences University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania 7005 Australia
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9
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Boyero L, López-Rojo N, Tonin AM, Pérez J, Correa-Araneda F, Pearson RG, Bosch J, Albariño RJ, Anbalagan S, Barmuta LA, Basaguren A, Burdon FJ, Caliman A, Callisto M, Calor AR, Campbell IC, Cardinale BJ, Jesús Casas J, Chará-Serna AM, Chauvet E, Ciapała S, Colón-Gaud C, Cornejo A, Davis AM, Degebrodt M, Dias ES, Díaz ME, Douglas MM, Encalada AC, Figueroa R, Flecker AS, Fleituch T, García EA, García G, García PE, Gessner MO, Gómez JE, Gómez S, Gonçalves JF, Graça MAS, Gwinn DC, Hall RO, Hamada N, Hui C, Imazawa D, Iwata T, Kariuki SK, Landeira-Dabarca A, Laymon K, Leal M, Marchant R, Martins RT, Masese FO, Maul M, McKie BG, Medeiros AO, Erimba CMM, Middleton JA, Monroy S, Muotka T, Negishi JN, Ramírez A, Richardson JS, Rincón J, Rubio-Ríos J, Dos Santos GM, Sarremejane R, Sheldon F, Sitati A, Tenkiano NSD, Tiegs SD, Tolod JR, Venarsky M, Watson A, Yule CM. Impacts of detritivore diversity loss on instream decomposition are greatest in the tropics. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3700. [PMID: 34140471 PMCID: PMC8211652 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between detritivore diversity and decomposition can provide information on how biogeochemical cycles are affected by ongoing rates of extinction, but such evidence has come mostly from local studies and microcosm experiments. We conducted a globally distributed experiment (38 streams across 23 countries in 6 continents) using standardised methods to test the hypothesis that detritivore diversity enhances litter decomposition in streams, to establish the role of other characteristics of detritivore assemblages (abundance, biomass and body size), and to determine how patterns vary across realms, biomes and climates. We observed a positive relationship between diversity and decomposition, strongest in tropical areas, and a key role of abundance and biomass at higher latitudes. Our results suggest that litter decomposition might be altered by detritivore extinctions, particularly in tropical areas, where detritivore diversity is already relatively low and some environmental stressors particularly prevalent. It is unclear whether stream detritivore diversity enhances decomposition across climates. Here the authors manipulate litter diversity and examine detritivore assemblages in a globally distributed stream litterbag experiment, finding a positive diversity-decomposition relationship stronger in tropical streams, where detritivore diversity is lower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Boyero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain. .,IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Naiara López-Rojo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alan M Tonin
- Department of Ecology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Javier Pérez
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Richard G Pearson
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (CSIC, UO, PA), Oviedo University, Mieres, Spain.,Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo J Albariño
- INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Bariloche, Argentina
| | | | - Leon A Barmuta
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Ana Basaguren
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Francis J Burdon
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adriano Caliman
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Adolfo R Calor
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Bradley J Cardinale
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - J Jesús Casas
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana M Chará-Serna
- Centro para la Investigación en Sistemas Sostenibles de Producción Agropecuaria (CIPAV), Cali, Colombia.,Illinois River Biological Station, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Havana, IL, USA
| | - Eric Chauvet
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Szymon Ciapała
- Faculty of Tourism and Leisure, University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
| | - Checo Colón-Gaud
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Aydeé Cornejo
- Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (COZEM-ICGES), Panama City, Panama
| | - Aaron M Davis
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Monika Degebrodt
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Stechlin, Germany
| | - Emerson S Dias
- Graduate Program in Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - María E Díaz
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile.,Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro EULA-Chile, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Michael M Douglas
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Andrea C Encalada
- Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.,Department of Life Sciences and Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Figueroa
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales y Centro EULA-Chile, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alexander S Flecker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tadeusz Fleituch
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Erica A García
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT, Australia
| | - Gabriela García
- Water Laboratory and Physicochemical Services (LASEF), Autonomous University of Chiriqui, David City, Panama
| | - Pavel E García
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala.,Organismal Biology, Ecology and Evolution (OBEE) program, University of Montana, Montana, MO, USA
| | - Mark O Gessner
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Stechlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Technology (TU Berlin), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jesús E Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Sergio Gómez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jose F Gonçalves
- Department of Ecology, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Manuel A S Graça
- Department of Life Sciences and Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Robert O Hall
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, Polson, MT, USA
| | - Neusa Hamada
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia-INPA, Coordenação de Biodiversidade-COBIO, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Cang Hui
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa.,Biodiversity Informatics Unit, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daichi Imazawa
- Integrated Graduate School of Medicine, Engineering, and Agricultural Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Tomoya Iwata
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | | | - Andrea Landeira-Dabarca
- Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.,Biometric Research, South Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Kelsey Laymon
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - María Leal
- Laboratorio de Contaminación Acuática y Ecología Fluvial, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Richard Marchant
- Department of Entomology, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Renato T Martins
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia-INPA, Coordenação de Biodiversidade-COBIO, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Frank O Masese
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Megan Maul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Brendan G McKie
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Jen A Middleton
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Silvia Monroy
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Timo Muotka
- INRAE, UR-RiverLy, Centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Junjiro N Negishi
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Alonso Ramírez
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John S Richardson
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - José Rincón
- Laboratorio de Contaminación Acuática y Ecología Fluvial, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Juan Rubio-Ríos
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Gisele M Dos Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Romain Sarremejane
- INRAE, UR-RiverLy, Centre de Lyon-Villeurbanne, Villeurbanne Cedex, France
| | - Fran Sheldon
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Augustine Sitati
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Scott D Tiegs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Janine R Tolod
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Michael Venarsky
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne Watson
- Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Catherine M Yule
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
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10
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Boyero L, Pérez J, López-Rojo N, Tonin AM, Correa-Araneda F, Pearson RG, Bosch J, Albariño RJ, Anbalagan S, Barmuta LA, Beesley L, Burdon FJ, Caliman A, Callisto M, Campbell IC, Cardinale BJ, Casas JJ, Chará-Serna AM, Ciapała S, Chauvet E, Colón-Gaud C, Cornejo A, Davis AM, Degebrodt M, Dias ES, Díaz ME, Douglas MM, Elosegi A, Encalada AC, de Eyto E, Figueroa R, Flecker AS, Fleituch T, Frainer A, França JS, García EA, García G, García P, Gessner MO, Giller PS, Gómez JE, Gómez S, Gonçalves JF, Graça MAS, Hall RO, Hamada N, Hepp LU, Hui C, Imazawa D, Iwata T, Junior ESA, Kariuki S, Landeira-Dabarca A, Leal M, Lehosmaa K, M'Erimba C, Marchant R, Martins RT, Masese FO, Camden M, McKie BG, Medeiros AO, Middleton JA, Muotka T, Negishi JN, Pozo J, Ramírez A, Rezende RS, Richardson JS, Rincón J, Rubio-Ríos J, Serrano C, Shaffer AR, Sheldon F, Swan CM, Tenkiano NSD, Tiegs SD, Tolod JR, Vernasky M, Watson A, Yegon MJ, Yule CM. Latitude dictates plant diversity effects on instream decomposition. Sci Adv 2021; 7:eabe7860. [PMID: 33771867 PMCID: PMC7997509 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe7860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Running waters contribute substantially to global carbon fluxes through decomposition of terrestrial plant litter by aquatic microorganisms and detritivores. Diversity of this litter may influence instream decomposition globally in ways that are not yet understood. We investigated latitudinal differences in decomposition of litter mixtures of low and high functional diversity in 40 streams on 6 continents and spanning 113° of latitude. Despite important variability in our dataset, we found latitudinal differences in the effect of litter functional diversity on decomposition, which we explained as evolutionary adaptations of litter-consuming detritivores to resource availability. Specifically, a balanced diet effect appears to operate at lower latitudes versus a resource concentration effect at higher latitudes. The latitudinal pattern indicates that loss of plant functional diversity will have different consequences on carbon fluxes across the globe, with greater repercussions likely at low latitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Boyero
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.
- IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Javier Pérez
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Naiara López-Rojo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alan M Tonin
- Limnology-Aquaripária Lab, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Richard G Pearson
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Research Unit of Biodiversity (CSIC, UO, PA), Oviedo University, Mieres, Spain
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo J Albariño
- INIBIOMA, Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET, Bariloche, Argentina
| | | | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Leah Beesley
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Francis J Burdon
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Adriano Caliman
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Bradley J Cardinale
- Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - J Jesús Casas
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana M Chará-Serna
- Centro para la Investigación en Sistemas Sostenibles de Producción Agropecuaria (CIPAV), Cali, Colombia
- Illinois River Biological Station, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Havana, IL, USA
| | - Szymon Ciapała
- Faculty of Tourism and Leisure, University of Physical Education, Kraków, Poland
| | - Eric Chauvet
- Laboratoire Écologie Fonctionnelle et Environnement, Université de Toulouse-CNRS, Toulouse, France
| | - Checo Colón-Gaud
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Aydeé Cornejo
- Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory, Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (COZEM-ICGES), Panama City, Panama
| | - Aaron M Davis
- Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Monika Degebrodt
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Stechlin, Germany
| | - Emerson S Dias
- Department of Ecology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - María E Díaz
- Laboratorio de Limnología y Recursos Hídricos, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
| | - Michael M Douglas
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Arturo Elosegi
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Andrea C Encalada
- Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | | | - Ricardo Figueroa
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alexander S Flecker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Tadeusz Fleituch
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - André Frainer
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Tromsø, Norway
- Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economics, The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Juliana S França
- Programa de Capacitação Institucional (PCI/INMA), National Institute of the Atlantic Forest, Santa Teresa, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Erica A García
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, NT, Australia
| | - Gabriela García
- Water Laboratory and Physicochemical Services (LASEF), Autonomous University of Chiriqui, David City, Panama
| | - Pavel García
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala
- Organismal Biology, Ecology and Evolution (OBEE) program, University of Montana, MO, USA
| | - Mark O Gessner
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), Stechlin, Germany
- Department of Ecology, Berlin Institute of Technology (TU Berlin), Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul S Giller
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Jesús E Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Sergio Gómez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jose F Gonçalves
- Limnology-Aquaripária Lab, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Manuel A S Graça
- Department of Life Sciences and Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Robert O Hall
- Flathead Lake Biological Station, University of Montana, MO, USA
| | - Neusa Hamada
- Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Luiz U Hepp
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campus Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cang Hui
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland, South Africa
- Biodiversity Informatics Unit, African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Daichi Imazawa
- Integrated Graduate School of Medicine, Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Tomoya Iwata
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Edson S A Junior
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Andrea Landeira-Dabarca
- Department of Life Sciences and Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto BIOSFERA-USFQ, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - María Leal
- Laboratorio de Contaminación Acuática y Ecología Fluvial, Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela
| | - Kaisa Lehosmaa
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Richard Marchant
- Department of Entomology, Museums Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Renato T Martins
- Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Frank O Masese
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Megan Camden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Brendan G McKie
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Jen A Middleton
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Timo Muotka
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Junjiro N Negishi
- Faculty of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jesús Pozo
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Alonso Ramírez
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Renan S Rezende
- Program of Postgraduate in Environmental Science, Communitarian University of Chapecó Region, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - John S Richardson
- Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - José Rincón
- Laboratorio de Contaminación Acuática y Ecología Fluvial, Universidad del Zulia, Venezuela
| | - Juan Rubio-Ríos
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Claudia Serrano
- Instituto BIOSFERA, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Angela R Shaffer
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA
| | - Fran Sheldon
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher M Swan
- Department of Geography and Environmental Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Scott D Tiegs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
| | - Janine R Tolod
- Graduate School of Environmental Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Michael Vernasky
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Anne Watson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Mourine J Yegon
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Catherine M Yule
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia
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11
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Rowbottom R, Carver S, Barmuta LA, Weinstein P, Allen GR. How do local differences in saltmarsh ecology influence disease vector mosquito populations? Med Vet Entomol 2020; 34:279-290. [PMID: 32080876 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12433] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Saltmarsh breeding mosquitoes are an important source of vectors for arboviral transmission. In southern Australia, the most prominent vector borne disease, Ross River virus (Togaviridae: Alphavirus) (RRV), is transmitted by the saltmarsh mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Aedes camptorhynchus (Thomson). However, the factors driving the abundance of this mosquito within and among saltmarshes are poorly understood. To predict the abundance of this mosquito within saltmarshes, the environmental conditions and aquatic invertebrate ecology of three temperate saltmarshes habitats were monitored over two seasons. Up to 44% of first-instar mosquito numbers and 21% of pupal numbers were accounted for by environmental variables. Samphire vegetation cover was a common predictor of first-instar numbers across sites although, between saltmarshes, aquatic factors such as high salinity, temperatures less than 22 °C and water body volume were important predictors. The identified predictors of pupal numbers were more variable and included high tides, waterbody volume and alkalinity. The composition of invertebrate functional feeding groups differed between saltmarshes and showed that an increased diversity led to fewer mosquitoes. It was evident that apparently similar saltmarshes can vary markedly in invertebrate assemblages, water availability and conditions through tidal inundations, rainfall or waterbody permanency. The present study advances insight into predictors of vector mosquito numbers that drive the risk of RRV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rowbottom
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - S Carver
- School of Natural Sciences (Biological Sciences), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - L A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences (Biological Sciences), University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - P Weinstein
- School of Biological Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - G R Allen
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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12
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Clarke LJ, Jones PJ, Ammitzboll H, Barmuta LA, Breed MF, Chariton A, Charleston M, Dakwa V, Dewi F, Eri R, Fountain-Jones NM, Freeman J, Kendal D, McDougal R, Raes EJ, Sow SLS, Staples T, Sutcliffe B, Vemuri R, Weyrich LS, Flies EJ. Mainstreaming Microbes across Biomes. Bioscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in the environment (i.e., environmental microbiomes) provide vital ecosystem services and affect human health. Despite their importance, public awareness of environmental microbiomes has lagged behind that of human microbiomes. A key problem has been a scarcity of research demonstrating the microbial connections across environmental biomes (e.g., marine, soil) and between environmental and human microbiomes. We show in the present article, through analyses of almost 10,000 microbiome papers and three global data sets, that there are significant taxonomic similarities in microbial communities across biomes, but very little cross-biome research exists. This disconnect may be hindering advances in microbiome knowledge and translation. In this article, we highlight current and potential applications of environmental microbiome research and the benefits of an interdisciplinary, cross-biome approach. Microbiome scientists need to engage with each other, government, industry, and the public to ensure that research and applications proceed ethically, maximizing the potential benefits to society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence J Clarke
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and LJC is also affiliated with the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, in Hobart, Australia
| | - Penelope J Jones
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Hans Ammitzboll
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Forest Value, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Scienceand Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia, and with the Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (www.HUMIglobal.org) in the United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Chariton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Vongai Dakwa
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Fera Dewi
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Rajaraman Eri
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | | | - Jules Freeman
- Scion, part of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd., Rotorua, New Zealand
| | - Dave Kendal
- Research Centre for Marine and Fisheries Product Processing and Biotechnology, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Jakarta, Indonesia
- School of Technology, Environments, and Design, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Rebecca McDougal
- Scion, part of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Ltd., Rotorua, New Zealand
| | - Eric J Raes
- Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Australia
| | - Swan Li San Sow
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, and LJC is also affiliated with the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, in Hobart, Australia
- Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Hobart, Australia
| | - Timothy Staples
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia, and with the School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. RV is also affiliated with the Department of Comparative Medicine, in the School of Medicine, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Brodie Sutcliffe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ravichandra Vemuri
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Laura S Weyrich
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia, and with the Department of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University, in University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Emily J Flies
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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13
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Tiegs SD, Costello DM, Isken MW, Woodward G, McIntyre PB, Gessner MO, Chauvet E, Griffiths NA, Flecker AS, Acuña V, Albariño R, Allen DC, Alonso C, Andino P, Arango C, Aroviita J, Barbosa MVM, Barmuta LA, Baxter CV, Bell TDC, Bellinger B, Boyero L, Brown LE, Bruder A, Bruesewitz DA, Burdon FJ, Callisto M, Canhoto C, Capps KA, Castillo MM, Clapcott J, Colas F, Colón-Gaud C, Cornut J, Crespo-Pérez V, Cross WF, Culp JM, Danger M, Dangles O, de Eyto E, Derry AM, Villanueva VD, Douglas MM, Elosegi A, Encalada AC, Entrekin S, Espinosa R, Ethaiya D, Ferreira V, Ferriol C, Flanagan KM, Fleituch T, Follstad Shah JJ, Frainer Barbosa A, Friberg N, Frost PC, Garcia EA, García Lago L, García Soto PE, Ghate S, Giling DP, Gilmer A, Gonçalves JF, Gonzales RK, Graça MAS, Grace M, Grossart HP, Guérold F, Gulis V, Hepp LU, Higgins S, Hishi T, Huddart J, Hudson J, Imberger S, Iñiguez-Armijos C, Iwata T, Janetski DJ, Jennings E, Kirkwood AE, Koning AA, Kosten S, Kuehn KA, Laudon H, Leavitt PR, Lemes da Silva AL, Leroux SJ, LeRoy CJ, Lisi PJ, MacKenzie R, Marcarelli AM, Masese FO, McKie BG, Oliveira Medeiros A, Meissner K, Miliša M, Mishra S, Miyake Y, Moerke A, Mombrikotb S, Mooney R, Moulton T, Muotka T, Negishi JN, Neres-Lima V, Nieminen ML, Nimptsch J, Ondruch J, Paavola R, Pardo I, Patrick CJ, Peeters ETHM, Pozo J, Pringle C, Prussian A, Quenta E, Quesada A, Reid B, Richardson JS, Rigosi A, Rincón J, Rîşnoveanu G, Robinson CT, Rodríguez-Gallego L, Royer TV, Rusak JA, Santamans AC, Selmeczy GB, Simiyu G, Skuja A, Smykla J, Sridhar KR, Sponseller R, Stoler A, Swan CM, Szlag D, Teixeira-de Mello F, Tonkin JD, Uusheimo S, Veach AM, Vilbaste S, Vought LBM, Wang CP, Webster JR, Wilson PB, Woelfl S, Xenopoulos MA, Yates AG, Yoshimura C, Yule CM, Zhang YX, Zwart JA. Global patterns and drivers of ecosystem functioning in rivers and riparian zones. Sci Adv 2019; 5:eaav0486. [PMID: 30662951 PMCID: PMC6326750 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav0486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
River ecosystems receive and process vast quantities of terrestrial organic carbon, the fate of which depends strongly on microbial activity. Variation in and controls of processing rates, however, are poorly characterized at the global scale. In response, we used a peer-sourced research network and a highly standardized carbon processing assay to conduct a global-scale field experiment in greater than 1000 river and riparian sites. We found that Earth's biomes have distinct carbon processing signatures. Slow processing is evident across latitudes, whereas rapid rates are restricted to lower latitudes. Both the mean rate and variability decline with latitude, suggesting temperature constraints toward the poles and greater roles for other environmental drivers (e.g., nutrient loading) toward the equator. These results and data set the stage for unprecedented "next-generation biomonitoring" by establishing baselines to help quantify environmental impacts to the functioning of ecosystems at a global scale.
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14
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Cunningham CX, Johnson CN, Barmuta LA, Hollings T, Woehler EJ, Jones ME. Top carnivore decline has cascading effects on scavengers and carrion persistence. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1582. [PMID: 30487308 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Top carnivores have suffered widespread global declines, with well-documented effects on mesopredators and herbivores. We know less about how carnivores affect ecosystems through scavenging. Tasmania's top carnivore, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), has suffered severe disease-induced population declines, providing a natural experiment on the role of scavenging in structuring communities. Using remote cameras and experimentally placed carcasses, we show that mesopredators consume more carrion in areas where devils have declined. Carcass consumption by the two native mesopredators was best predicted by competition for carrion, whereas consumption by the invasive mesopredator, the feral cat (Felis catus), was better predicted by the landscape-level abundance of devils, suggesting a relaxed landscape of fear where devils are suppressed. Reduced discovery of carcasses by devils was balanced by the increased discovery by mesopredators. Nonetheless, carcasses persisted approximately 2.6-fold longer where devils have declined, highlighting their importance for rapid carrion removal. The major beneficiary of increased carrion availability was the forest raven (Corvus tasmanicus). Population trends of ravens increased 2.2-fold from 1998 to 2017, the period of devil decline, but this increase occurred Tasmania-wide, making the cause unclear. This case study provides a little-studied potential mechanism for mesopredator release, with broad relevance to the vast areas of the world that have suffered carnivore declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum X Cunningham
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Tracey Hollings
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.,Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Eric J Woehler
- Birdlife Tasmania, GPO Box 68, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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15
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Ranyard CE, Kirkpatrick JB, Johnson CN, Barmuta LA, Jones ME. An exotic woody weed in a pastoral landscape provides habitat for many native species, but has no apparent threatened species conservation significance. Ecol Manag Restor 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Andersen GE, Johnson CN, Barmuta LA, Jones ME. Dietary partitioning of Australia's two marsupial hypercarnivores, the Tasmanian devil and the spotted-tailed quoll, across their shared distributional range. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188529. [PMID: 29176811 PMCID: PMC5703475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Australia's native marsupial fauna has just two primarily flesh-eating 'hypercarnivores', the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) and the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) which coexist only on the island of Tasmania. Devil populations are currently declining due to a fatal transmissible cancer. Our aim was to analyse the diet of both species across their range in Tasmania, as a basis for understanding how devil decline might affect the abundance and distribution of quolls through release from competition. We used faecal analysis to describe diets of one or both species at 13 sites across Tasmania. We compared diet composition and breadth between the two species, and tested for geographic patterns in diets related to rainfall and devil population decline. Dietary items were classified into 6 broad categories: large mammals (≥ 7.0kg), medium-sized mammals (0.5-6.9kg), small mammals (< 0.5kg), birds, reptiles and invertebrates. Diet overlap based on prey-size category was high. Quoll diets were broader than devils at all but one site. Devils consumed more large and medium-sized mammals and quolls more small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Medium-sized mammals (mainly Tasmanian pademelon Thylogale billardierii), followed by large mammals (mainly Bennett's wallaby Macropus rufogriseus) and birds, were the most important prey groups for both species. Diet composition varied across sites, suggesting that both species are flexible and opportunistic foragers, but was not related to rainfall for devils. Quolls included more large mammals but fewer small mammals and invertebrates in their diet in the eastern drier parts of Tasmania where devils have declined. This suggests that a competitive release of quolls may have occurred and the substantial decline of devils has provided more food in the large-mammal category for quolls, perhaps as increased scavenging opportunities. The high diet overlap suggests that if resources become limited in areas of high devil density, interspecific competition could occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina E. Andersen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Christopher N. Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Menna E. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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17
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Proemse BC, Eberhard RS, Sharples C, Bowman JP, Richards K, Comfort M, Barmuta LA. Stromatolites on the rise in peat-bound karstic wetlands. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15384. [PMID: 29133809 PMCID: PMC5684344 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15507-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stromatolites are the oldest evidence for life on Earth, but modern living examples are rare and predominantly occur in shallow marine or (hyper-) saline lacustrine environments, subject to exotic physico-chemical conditions. Here we report the discovery of living freshwater stromatolites in cool-temperate karstic wetlands in the Giblin River catchment of the UNESCO-listed Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Australia. These stromatolites colonize the slopes of karstic spring mounds which create mildly alkaline (pH of 7.0-7.9) enclaves within an otherwise uniformly acidic organosol terrain. The freshwater emerging from the springs is Ca-HCO3 dominated and water temperatures show no evidence of geothermal heating. Using 16 S rRNA gene clone library analysis we revealed that the bacterial community is dominated by Cyanobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and an unusually high proportion of Chloroflexi, followed by Armatimonadetes and Planctomycetes, and is therefore unique compared to other living examples. Macroinvertebrates are sparse and snails in particular are disadvantaged by the development of debilitating accumulations of carbonate on their shells, corroborating evidence that stromatolites flourish under conditions where predation by metazoans is suppressed. Our findings constitute a novel habitat for stromatolites because cool-temperate freshwater wetlands are not a conventional stromatolite niche, suggesting that stromatolites may be more common than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Proemse
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Rolan S Eberhard
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
| | - Chris Sharples
- Geography and Spatial Science, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 76, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - John P Bowman
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 98, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Karen Richards
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Michael Comfort
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia
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18
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Rowbottom R, Carver S, Barmuta LA, Weinstein P, Allen GR. Mosquito distribution in a saltmarsh: determinants of eggs in a variable environment. J Vector Ecol 2017; 42:161-170. [PMID: 28504426 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Two saltmarsh mosquitoes dominate the transmission of Ross River virus (RRV, Togoviridae: Alphavirus), one of Australia's most prominent mosquito-borne diseases. Ecologically, saltmarshes vary in their structure, including habitat types, hydrological regimes, and diversity of aquatic fauna, all of which drive mosquito oviposition behavior. Understanding the distribution of vector mosquitoes within saltmarshes can inform early warning systems, surveillance, and management of vector populations. The aim of this study was to identify the distribution of Ae. camptorhynchus, a known vector for RRV, across a saltmarsh and investigate the influence that other invertebrate assemblage might have on Ae. camptorhynchus egg dispersal. We demonstrate that vegetation is a strong indicator for Ae. camptorhynchus egg distribution, and this was not correlated with elevation or other invertebrates located at this saltmarsh. Also, habitats within this marsh are less frequently inundated, resulting in dryer conditions. We conclude that this information can be applied in vector surveillance and monitoring of temperate saltmarsh environments and also provides a baseline for future investigations into understanding mosquito vector habitat requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raylea Rowbottom
- School of Land and Food/TIA, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Geoff R Allen
- School of Land and Food/TIA, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Boyero L, Pearson RG, Hui C, Gessner MO, Pérez J, Alexandrou MA, Graça MAS, Cardinale BJ, Albariño RJ, Arunachalam M, Barmuta LA, Boulton AJ, Bruder A, Callisto M, Chauvet E, Death RG, Dudgeon D, Encalada AC, Ferreira V, Figueroa R, Flecker AS, Gonçalves JF, Helson J, Iwata T, Jinggut T, Mathooko J, Mathuriau C, M'Erimba C, Moretti MS, Pringle CM, Ramírez A, Ratnarajah L, Rincon J, Yule CM. Biotic and abiotic variables influencing plant litter breakdown in streams: a global study. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 283:rspb.2015.2664. [PMID: 27122551 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant litter breakdown is a key ecological process in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Streams and rivers, in particular, contribute substantially to global carbon fluxes. However, there is little information available on the relative roles of different drivers of plant litter breakdown in fresh waters, particularly at large scales. We present a global-scale study of litter breakdown in streams to compare the roles of biotic, climatic and other environmental factors on breakdown rates. We conducted an experiment in 24 streams encompassing latitudes from 47.8° N to 42.8° S, using litter mixtures of local species differing in quality and phylogenetic diversity (PD), and alder (Alnus glutinosa) to control for variation in litter traits. Our models revealed that breakdown of alder was driven by climate, with some influence of pH, whereas variation in breakdown of litter mixtures was explained mainly by litter quality and PD. Effects of litter quality and PD and stream pH were more positive at higher temperatures, indicating that different mechanisms may operate at different latitudes. These results reflect global variability caused by multiple factors, but unexplained variance points to the need for expanded global-scale comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz Boyero
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain College of Marine and Environmental Sciences and TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Richard G Pearson
- College of Marine and Environmental Sciences and TropWater, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Cang Hui
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Muizenburg 7945, South Africa
| | - Mark O Gessner
- Department of Experimental Limnology, Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB), 16775 Stechlin, Germany Department of Ecology, Berlin Institute of Technology (TU Berlin), 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Javier Pérez
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Markos A Alexandrou
- Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Manuel A S Graça
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Bradley J Cardinale
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ricardo J Albariño
- Laboratorio de Fotobiologia, INIBIOMA, CONICET, Universidad Nacional del Comahue, Quintral 1250, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Muthukumarasamy Arunachalam
- Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, 627412 Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Andrew J Boulton
- Ecosystem Management, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Andreas Bruder
- Department of Aquatic Ecology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Überlandstrasse 133, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland Institute of Integrative Biology (IBZ), ETH Zurich, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 30161-970 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Eric Chauvet
- UPS, INPT; EcoLab, Université de Toulouse, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France EcoLab, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Russell G Death
- Institute of Agriculture and Environment-Ecology, Massey University, 4442 Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - David Dudgeon
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Andrea C Encalada
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal Laboratorio de Ecología Acuatica, Colegio de Ciencias Biologicas y Ambientales, Universidad de San Francisco de Quito, Campus Cumbayá, PO Box 17, 1200841 Quito, Ecuador
| | - Verónica Ferreira
- MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3001-456 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Figueroa
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining, University of Concepción, Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alexander S Flecker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - José F Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Limnologia/AquaRiparia, Departamento de Ecologia, ECL/IB, Universidade de Brasilia, 70910-900 Brasilia, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - Julie Helson
- Surface and Groundwater Ecology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto at Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - Tomoya Iwata
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8510, Japan
| | - Tajang Jinggut
- School of Science, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Jude Mathooko
- Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Catherine Mathuriau
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas y Sustentabilidad, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, DF, México
| | - Charles M'Erimba
- Department of Biological Sciences, Egerton University, PO Box 536, Egerton, Kenya
| | - Marcelo S Moretti
- Laboratory of Aquatic Insect Ecology, University of Vila Velha, Vila Velha 29 102-920, Brazil
| | | | - Alonso Ramírez
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, San Juan 00919, Puerto Rico
| | - Lavenia Ratnarajah
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - José Rincon
- Laboratorio de Contaminación Acuática y Contaminación Fluvial, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad del Zulia, Apartado Postal 526, Maracaibo, Venezuela Programa Prometeo, Senescyt, Escuela de Biología, Ecología y Gestión, Universidad del Azuay, Apartado 981, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Catherine M Yule
- School of Science, Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
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Hamede RK, Pearse AM, Swift K, Barmuta LA, Murchison EP, Jones ME. Transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils: localized lineage replacement and host population response. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 282:rspb.2015.1468. [PMID: 26336167 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is a clonally transmissible cancer threatening the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) with extinction. Live cancer cells are the infectious agent, transmitted to new hosts when individuals bite each other. Over the 18 years since DFTD was first observed, distinct genetic and karyotypic sublineages have evolved. In this longitudinal study, we investigate the associations between tumour karyotype, epidemic patterns and host demographic response to the disease. Reduced host population effects and low DFTD infection rates were associated with high prevalence of tetraploid tumours. Subsequent replacement by a diploid variant of DFTD coincided with a rapid increase in disease prevalence, population decline and reduced mean age of the population. Our results suggest a role for tumour genetics in DFTD transmission dynamics and epidemic outcome. Future research, for this and other highly pathogenic emerging infectious diseases, should focus on understanding the evolution of host and pathogen genotypes, their effects on susceptibility and tolerance to infection, and their implications for designing novel genetic management strategies. This study provides evidence for a rapid localized lineage replacement occurring within a transmissible cancer epidemic and highlights the possibility that distinct DFTD genetic lineages may harbour traits that influence pathogen fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo K Hamede
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Anne-Maree Pearse
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Kate Swift
- Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Elizabeth P Murchison
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Menna E Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 55, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
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21
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Jo H, Ventura M, Vidal N, Gim JS, Buchaca T, Barmuta LA, Jeppesen E, Joo GJ. Discovering hidden biodiversity: the use of complementary monitoring of fish diet based on DNA barcoding in freshwater ecosystems. Ecol Evol 2015; 6:219-32. [PMID: 26811787 PMCID: PMC4716507 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.1825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological monitoring contributes to the understanding of complex ecosystem functions. The diets of fish reflect the surrounding environment and habitats and may, therefore, act as useful integrating indicators of environmental status. It is, however, often difficult to visually identify items in gut contents to species level due to digestion of soft‐bodied prey beyond visual recognition, but new tools rendering this possible are now becoming available. We used a molecular approach to determine the species identities of consumed diet items of an introduced generalist feeder, brown trout (Salmo trutta), in 10 Tasmanian lakes and compared the results with those obtained from visual quantification of stomach contents. We obtained 44 unique taxa (OTUs) belonging to five phyla, including seven classes, using the barcode of life approach from cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Compared with visual quantification, DNA analysis showed greater accuracy, yielding a 1.4‐fold higher number of OTUs. Rarefaction curve analysis showed saturation of visually inspected taxa, while the curves from the DNA barcode did not saturate. The OTUs with the highest proportions of haplotypes were the families of terrestrial insects Formicidae, Chrysomelidae, and Torbidae and the freshwater Chironomidae. Haplotype occurrence per lake was negatively correlated with lake depth and transparency. Nearly all haplotypes were only found in one fish gut from a single lake. Our results indicate that DNA barcoding of fish diets is a useful and complementary method for discovering hidden biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbin Jo
- Department of Integrated Biological Science Pusan National University Busan 46241 South Korea
| | - Marc Ventura
- Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes Spanish National Research Council (CEAB-CSIC) 17300 Blanes Catalonia Spain
| | - Nicolas Vidal
- Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Vejlsøvej 258600 Silkeborg Denmark; Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research (SDC) Beijing China
| | - Jeong-Soo Gim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science Pusan National University Busan 46241 South Korea
| | - Teresa Buchaca
- Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes Spanish National Research Council (CEAB-CSIC) 17300 Blanes Catalonia Spain
| | - Leon A Barmuta
- School of Zoology University of Tasmania Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania 7000 Australia
| | - Erik Jeppesen
- Department of Bioscience Aarhus University Vejlsøvej 258600 Silkeborg Denmark; Sino-Danish Centre for Education and Research (SDC) Beijing China
| | - Gea-Jae Joo
- Department of Integrated Biological Science Pusan National University Busan 46241 South Korea
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Rowbottom R, Carver S, Barmuta LA, Weinstein P, Foo D, Allen GR. Resource Limitation, Controphic Ostracod Density and Larval Mosquito Development. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142472. [PMID: 26558896 PMCID: PMC4641740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquatic environments can be restricted with the amount of available food resources especially with changes to both abiotic and biotic conditions. Mosquito larvae, in particular, are sensitive to changes in food resources. Resource limitation through inter-, and intra-specific competition among mosquitoes are known to affect both their development and survival. However, much less is understood about the effects of non-culicid controphic competitors (species that share the same trophic level). To address this knowledge gap, we investigated and compared mosquito larval development, survival and adult size in two experiments, one with different densities of non-culicid controphic conditions and the other with altered resource conditions. We used Aedes camptorhynchus, a salt marsh breeding mosquito and a prominent vector for Ross River virus in Australia. Aedes camptorhynchus usually has few competitors due to its halo-tolerance and distribution in salt marshes. However, sympatric ostracod micro-crustaceans often co-occur within these salt marshes and can be found in dense populations, with field evidence suggesting exploitative competition for resources. Our experiments demonstrate resource limiting conditions caused significant increases in mosquito developmental times, decreased adult survival and decreased adult size. Overall, non-culicid exploitation experiments showed little effect on larval development and survival, but similar effects on adult size. We suggest that the alterations of adult traits owing to non-culicid controphic competition has potential to extend to vector-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raylea Rowbottom
- School of Land and Food/TIA, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Philip Weinstein
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Science, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dahlia Foo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Geoff R. Allen
- School of Land and Food/TIA, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Botwe PK, Barmuta LA, Magierowski R, McEvoy P, Goonan P, Carver S. Temporal Patterns and Environmental Correlates of Macroinvertebrate Communities in Temporary Streams. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142370. [PMID: 26556711 PMCID: PMC4640519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporary streams are characterised by short periods of seasonal or annual stream flow after which streams contract into waterholes or pools of varying hydrological connectivity and permanence. Although these streams are widespread globally, temporal variability of their ecology is understudied, and understanding the processes that structure community composition in these systems is vital for predicting and managing the consequences of anthropogenic impacts. We used multivariate and univariate approaches to investigate temporal variability in macroinvertebrate compositional data from 13 years of sampling across multiple sites from autumn and spring, in South Australia, the driest state in the driest inhabited continent in the world. We examined the potential of land-use, geographic and environmental variables to predict the temporal variability in macroinvertebrate assemblages, and also identified indicator taxa, that is, those highly correlated with the most significantly associated physical variables. Temporal trajectories of macroinvertebrate communities varied within site in both seasons and across years. A combination of land-use, geographic and environmental variables accounted for 24% of the variation in community structure in autumn and 27% in spring. In autumn, community composition among sites were more closely clustered together relative to spring suggesting that communities were more similar in autumn than in spring. In both seasons, community structure was most strongly correlated with conductivity and latitude, and community structure was more associated with cover by agriculture than urban land-use. Maintaining temporary streams will require improved catchment management aimed at sustaining seasonal flows and critical refuge habitats, while also limiting the damaging effects from increased agriculture and urban developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul K. Botwe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Regina Magierowski
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul McEvoy
- Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Goonan
- South Australia Environment Protection Authority, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Leahy L, Legge SM, Tuft K, McGregor HW, Barmuta LA, Jones ME, Johnson CN. Amplified predation after fire suppresses rodent populations in Australia’s tropical savannas. Wildl Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/wr15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context
Changes in abundance following fire are commonly reported for vertebrate species, but the mechanisms causing these changes are rarely tested. Currently, many species of small mammals are declining in the savannas of northern Australia. These declines have been linked to intense and frequent fires in the late dry season; however, why such fires cause declines of small mammals is unknown.
Aims
We aimed to discover the mechanisms causing decline in abundance of two species of small mammals, the pale field rat, Rattus tunneyi, and the western chestnut mouse, Pseudomys nanus, in response to fire. Candidate mechanisms were (1) direct mortality because of fire itself, (2) mortality after fire because of removal of food by fire, (3) reduced reproductive success, (4) emigration, and (5) increased mortality because of predation following fire.
Methods
We used live trapping to monitor populations of these two species under the following three experimental fire treatments: high-intensity fire that removed all ground vegetation, low-intensity fire that produced a patchy burn, and an unburnt control. We also radio-tracked 38 R. tunneyi individuals to discover the fates of individual animals.
Key results
Abundance of both species declined after fire, and especially following the high-intensity burn. There was no support for any of the first four mechanisms of population decline, but mortality owing to predation increased after fire. This was related to loss of ground cover (which was greater in the high-intensity fire treatment), which evidently left animals exposed to predators. Also, local activity of two predators, feral cats and dingoes, increased after the burns, and we found direct evidence of predation by feral cats and snakes.
Conclusions
Fire in the northern savannas has little direct effect on populations of these small mammals, but it causes declines by amplifying the impacts of predators. These effects are most severe for high-intensity burns that remove a high proportion of vegetation cover.
Implications
To prevent further declines in northern Australia, fire should be managed in ways that limit the effects of increased predation. This could be achieved by setting cool fires that produce patchy burns, avoiding hot fires, and minimising the total area burnt.
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Boyero L, Pearson RG, Gessner MO, Barmuta LA, Ferreira V, Graça MAS, Dudgeon D, Boulton AJ, Callisto M, Chauvet E, Helson JE, Bruder A, Albariño RJ, Yule CM, Arunachalam M, Davies JN, Figueroa R, Flecker AS, Ramírez A, Death RG, Iwata T, Mathooko JM, Mathuriau C, Gonçalves JF, Moretti MS, Jinggut T, Lamothe S, M'Erimba C, Ratnarajah L, Schindler MH, Castela J, Buria LM, Cornejo A, Villanueva VD, West DC. A global experiment suggests climate warming will not accelerate litter decomposition in streams but might reduce carbon sequestration. Ecol Lett 2011; 14:289-94. [PMID: 21299824 DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01578.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luz Boyero
- Wetland Ecology Department, Doñana Biological Station-CSIC, Avda Americo Vespucio s/n, E-41092 Sevilla, Spain
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E. Clapcott
- Department of Zoology and TAFI, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- Department of Zoology and TAFI, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. R. Gooderham
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Leon A. Barmuta
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Peter E. Davies
- School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia, and Freshwater Systems Pty Ltd, 82 Waimea Avenue, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 7005, Australia
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Warfe DM, Barmuta LA. Habitat structural complexity mediates food web dynamics in a freshwater macrophyte community. Oecologia 2006; 150:141-54. [PMID: 16932971 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-006-0505-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2006] [Accepted: 06/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A considerable amount of research has investigated the influence of habitat structure on predator success, yet few studies have explored the implications for community structure and food-web dynamics. The relative importance of macrophyte structure and fish predation on the composition of the macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities in a lowland river was investigated using a multifactorial caging experiment. We hypothesised that: (1) fish predators are less effective in a more structurally complex macrophyte analogue; (2) strong direct and indirect effects of fish predators (e.g. trophic cascades) are less likely to occur in a structurally complex habitat; and (3) the strength of these patterns is influenced by the composition of the prevailing community assemblage. We measured the abundance and composition of the macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities associated with three different-shaped macrophyte analogues, under different fish predator treatments and at different times. Macrophyte analogue architecture had strong, consistent effects on both the macroinvertebrate and periphyton communities; both were most abundant and diverse on the most structurally complex plant analogue. In contrast, the fish predators affected only a subset of the macroinvertebrate community and there was a suggestion of minor indirect effects on periphyton community composition. Contrary to expectations, the fish predators had their strongest effects in the most structurally complex macrophyte analogue. We conclude that in this system, macrophyte shape strongly regulates the associated freshwater assemblage, resulting in a diverse community structure less likely to exhibit strong effects of fish predation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Warfe
- School of Zoology and Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.
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Warfe DM, Barmuta LA. Habitat structural complexity mediates the foraging success of multiple predator species. Oecologia 2004; 141:171-8. [PMID: 15300485 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-004-1644-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the role of freshwater macrophytes as refuge by testing the hypothesis that predators capture fewer prey in more dense and structurally complex habitats. We also tested the hypothesis that habitat structure not only affects the prey-capture success of a single predator in isolation, but also the effectiveness of two predators combined, particularly if it mediates interactions between the predators. We conducted a fully crossed four-factorial laboratory experiment using artificial plants to determine the separate quantitative (density) and qualitative (shape) components of macrophyte structure on the prey-capture success of a predatory damselfly, Ischnura heterosticta tasmanica, and the southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis. Contrary to our expectations, macrophyte density had no effect on the prey-capture success of either predator, but both predators were significantly less effective in the structurally complex Myriophyllum analogue than in the structurally simpler Triglochin and Eleocharis analogues. Furthermore, the greater structural complexity of Myriophyllum amplified the impact of the negative interaction between the predators on prey numbers; the habitat use by damselfly larvae in response to the presence of southern pygmy perch meant they captured less prey in Myriophyllum. These results demonstrate habitat structure can influence multiple predator effects, and support the mechanism of increased prey refuge in more structurally complex macrophytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Warfe
- School of Zoology and Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, University of Tasmania, GPO Box 252-05, 7001 Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Yeates LV, Barmuta LA. The effects of willow and eucalypt leaves on feeding preference and growth of some Australian aquatic macroinvertebrates. AUSTRAL ECOL 1999. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-9993.1999.01008.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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