Anthropogenic biodiversity decline threatens the functioning of ecosystems and the many benefits they provide to humanity1. As well as causing species losses in directly affected locations, human influence might also reduce biodiversity in relatively unmodified vegetation if far-reaching anthropogenic effects trigger local extinctions and hinder recolonization. Here we show that local plant diversity is globally negatively related to the level of anthropogenic activity in the surrounding region. Impoverishment of natural vegetation was evident only when we considered community completeness: the proportion of all suitable species in the region that are present at a site. To estimate community completeness, we compared the number of recorded species with the dark diversity-ecologically suitable species that are absent from a site but present in the surrounding region2. In the sampled regions with a minimal human footprint index, an average of 35% of suitable plant species were present locally, compared with less than 20% in highly affected regions. Besides having the potential to uncover overlooked threats to biodiversity, dark diversity also provides guidance for nature conservation. Species in the dark diversity remain regionally present, and their local populations might be restored through measures that improve connectivity between natural vegetation fragments and reduce threats to population persistence.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Climate change is predicted to drive geographical range shifts that will result in changes in species diversity and functional composition and have potential repercussions for ecosystem functioning. However, the effect of these changes on species composition and functional diversity (FD) remains unclear, especially for mammals, specifically bats. We used species distribution models and a comprehensive ecological and morphometrical trait database to estimate how projected future climate and land-use changes could influence the distribution, composition, and FD of the European bat community. Future bat assemblages were predicted to undergo substantial shifts in geographic range and trait structure. Range suitability decreased substantially in southern Europe and increased in northern latitudes. Our findings highlight the potential for climate change to drive shifts in bat FD, which has implications for ecosystem function and resilience at a continental scale. It is important to incorporate FD in conservation strategies. These efforts should target species with key functional traits predicted to be lost and areas expected to experience losses in FD. Conservation strategies should include habitat and roost protection, enhancing landscape connectivity, and international monitoring to preserve bat populations and their ecosystem services.
Cambios en la composición de la comunidad y la diversidad funcional de murciélagos europeos bajo el cambio climático Resumen Se prevé que el cambio climático provocará desplazamientos geográficos que alterarán la diversidad de las especies y su composición funcional, con posibles repercusiones en el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas. Sin embargo, el efecto de estos cambios sobre la composición de las especies y la diversidad funcional aun no es claro, especialmente en el caso de los mamíferos, en concreto los murciélagos. Utilizamos modelos de distribución de especies y una base de datos integral de rasgos ecológicos y morfométricos para estimar cómo los futuros cambios previstos en el clima y el uso del suelo podrían influir en la distribución, composición y diversidad funcional de la comunidad europea de murciélagos. Se predijo que los futuros conjuntos de murciélagos sufrirían cambios sustanciales en su distribución geográfica y en la estructura de sus atributos. La idoneidad del área de distribución disminuyó sustancialmente en el sur de Europa y aumentó en las latitudes septentrionales. Nuestros resultados ponen de relieve la posibilidad de que el cambio climático provoque cambios en la diversidad funcional de los murciélagos, lo que tiene implicaciones para la función y la resiliencia de los ecosistemas a escala continental. Es importante incorporar la diversidad funcional a las estrategias de conservación. Estos esfuerzos deberían centrarse en las especies con rasgos funcionales clave que se prevé que se pierdan y en las zonas en las que se espera que se produzcan pérdidas de diversidad funcional. Las estrategias de conservación deberían incluir la protección del hábitat y de los dormideros, la mejora de la conectividad del paisaje y el seguimiento internacional para preservar las poblaciones de murciélagos y sus servicios ecosistémicos.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Understanding interspecific differences in plant growth rates and their internal and external drivers is key to predicting species responses to ongoing environmental changes. Annual growth rates vary among plants based on their ecological preferences, growth forms, ecophysiological adaptations, and evolutionary history. However, the relative importance of these factors remains unclear, particularly in high-mountain ecosystems experiencing rapid changes. METHODS: We examined how habitat associations, elevational optima, growth forms, and ecophysiological and anatomical traits influence interspecific differences in radial growth rates among 324 vascular dicot species naturally occurring in the western Himalayas. Growth rates were determined from annual ring width measurements on the oldest plant sections of over 7,800 individuals from a range of habitats (desert, steppe, wetland, alpine, subnival), growth forms (perennial tap-rooted, rhizomatous, cushiony, woody), and climatic gradients (elevations of 2,650-6,150 m). KEY RESULTS: Habitat associations accounted for 24% of the variability in interspecific growth rates. Adding growth form and height increased the explanation to 42%, and incorporating plant functional traits further improved predictions to 46%. Growth rates were higher in warmer, drier conditions and lower in cold, wet environments. Subnival cushion plants had the slowest growth, while ruderal plants grew the fastest. Desert plants showed higher growth rates, reflecting their drought adaptive strategies, while wetland forbs had lower growth rates due to increased resource competition. Growth was positively correlated with leaf nitrogen content and non-structural carbohydrates (mainly fructans), due to enhanced photosynthesis and stress tolerance, and negatively correlated with leaf carbon and root nitrogen content. CONCLUSION: Our study of 324 dicot species in the western Himalayas suggests that plant growth in high elevations is determined by a combination of habitat conditions, morphological traits, and ecophysiological adaptations. Growth variations among the highest-growing angiosperms reflect adaptive strategies along the global 'fast-slow' and 'acquisitive-conservative' spectrums. These results underscore the importance of habitat-specific studies for predicting plant growth responses to environmental changes, emphasizing a species-specific approach for effective conservation in fragile ecosystems.
- Klíčová slova
- Ecophysiology, Fast-slow economic spectrum, Functional traits, Herbchronology, High-elevation plants, Himalayan plants, Plant growth,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Natural enemies play a key role in population dynamics of insects and exert significant selective pressures on various traits of these animals. Although there is a wealth of empirical and theoretical research on predators and parasitoids, the ecological role of pathogens (other than viruses) remains less understood. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), encompassing over 1000 known species from 11 phyla, have primarily been studied in the context of biocontrol in agroecosystems, while their role in natural ecosystems is poorly known. In this paper, we synthesize case studies reporting the prevalence of EPF infections in field populations of insects. We examine differences in this variable among major host taxa and those of the pathogens. From 79 case studies that met our selection criteria, we retrieved data on 122 species of fungi infecting 104 insect species. The meta-analytic median prevalence of fungal infections was 8.2%; even if likely inflated by publication bias, this suggests that EPF-induced mortality levels are lower than those attributable to predators and parasitoids. We found no substantial differences in fungal prevalence among major insect taxa and only a moderate difference among fungal orders, with Neozygitales showing the highest prevalence and Eurotiales the lowest. Our analysis revealed no significant differences in overall EPF prevalence between tropical and temperate studies, although different fungal taxa showed different geographical patterns. In temperate areas, there is some evidence of increasing infection prevalence toward the end of the growing season. Although quantitative data on the effect of EPF on insect populations are still scarce, evidence is consistent with the emerging generalization that insect populations commonly harbor species-rich assemblages of pathogenic fungi, but infections rarely reach epidemic levels. Further studies on multi-species assemblages of EPF associated with natural insect populations are needed to better understand the ecological role of fungal infections.
- Klíčová slova
- Entomophthorales, Hypocreales, mycosis, population regulation, systematic review,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
High soil pH and excess CaCO3 are major contributors to calcareous soil limitations on crops' access to essential nutrients, especially phosphorus (P) and micronutrients, which in turn impact pulses yields and growth. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of bio sulfur granules (BSG) on the growth of black gram and the availability of nutrients in calcareous vertisols deficient in sulfur. BSG was developed by using sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and elemental sulfur (ES) through an incubation study. Developed BSG was tested in a pot and field conditions to evaluate their effectiveness on black gram growth and yield. In the incubation study, soil treated with Methylobacterium thiocyanatum VRI7-A4 and ES (40 kg S/ha) significantly decreased pH and increased available S (SO42-) in calcareous soils. After 40 days of incubation, the solubility of P, Fe, and Zn was greatly increased by the addition of ES @ 40 kg S/ ha in combination with M. thiocyanatum VRI7-A4 or Pandoraea thiooxydans ATSB16. Black gram in S-deficient calcareous soil was improved by the application of BSG (ES @ 40 kg S/ ha with M. thiocyanatum VRI7-A7) in terms of root and shoot lengths, nodule number, plant biomass, pod yield, and biological yield as compared to control. The same treatment greatly increased plant nutrient intake as well as the concentrations of P, Fe, and Zn in the soil. The results showed that the addition of BSG granules (ES @ 40 kg S/ha + M. thiocyanatum VRI7-A4) to calcareous vertisol deficient in S enhanced the nutrient solubility through S oxidation. The developed bio sulfur granules may be added to the fertilizer schedule of the pulses growers to get improved crop growth and yield of black gram in calcareous soil.
- Klíčová slova
- Methylobacterium thiocyanatum, Pandoraea thiooxydans, Bio sulfur granules, Black gram, Calcareous soil, Elemental sulfur, Nutrient availability,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Global change is associated with variable shifts in the annual production of aboveground plant biomass, suggesting localized sensitivities with unclear causal origins. Combining remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index data since the 1980s with contemporary field data from 84 grasslands on 6 continents, we show a widening divergence in site-level biomass ranging from +51% to -34% globally. Biomass generally increased in warmer, wetter and species-rich sites with longer growing seasons and declined in species-poor arid areas. Phenological changes were widespread, revealing substantive transitions in grassland seasonal cycling. Grazing, nitrogen deposition and plant invasion were prevalent in some regions but did not predict overall trends. Grasslands are undergoing sizable changes in production, with implications for food security, biodiversity and carbon storage especially in arid regions where declines are accelerating.
- MeSH
- biodiverzita MeSH
- biomasa * MeSH
- klimatické změny MeSH
- pastviny * MeSH
- roční období MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Although invasive alien species have long been recognized as a major threat to nature and people, until now there has been no comprehensive global review of the status, trends, drivers, impacts, management and governance challenges of biological invasions. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Thematic Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control (hereafter 'IPBES invasive alien species assessment') drew on more than 13,000 scientific publications and reports in 15 languages as well as Indigenous and local knowledge on all taxa, ecosystems and regions across the globe. Therefore, it provides unequivocal evidence of the major and growing threat of invasive alien species alongside ambitious but realistic approaches to manage biological invasions. The extent of the threat and impacts has been recognized by the 143 member states of IPBES who approved the summary for policymakers of this assessment. Here, the authors of the IPBES assessment outline the main findings of the IPBES invasive alien species assessment and highlight the urgency to act now.
- MeSH
- biodiverzita * MeSH
- ekosystém MeSH
- zachování přírodních zdrojů * MeSH
- zavlečené druhy * MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has gained growing attention as a strategy for monitoring biodiversity in ecology. However, taxa identifications produced through metabarcoding require sophisticated processing of high-throughput sequencing data from taxonomically informative DNA barcodes. Various sets of universal and taxon-specific primers have been developed, extending the usability of metabarcoding across archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. Accordingly, a multitude of metabarcoding data analysis tools and pipelines have also been developed. Often, several developed workflows are designed to process the same amplicon sequencing data, making it somewhat puzzling to choose one among the plethora of existing pipelines. However, each pipeline has its own specific philosophy, strengths and limitations, which should be considered depending on the aims of any specific study, as well as the bioinformatics expertise of the user. In this review, we outline the input data requirements, supported operating systems and particular attributes of thirty-two amplicon processing pipelines with the goal of helping users to select a pipeline for their metabarcoding projects.
- Klíčová slova
- amplicon data analysis, bioinformatics, environmental DNA, metabarcoding, pipeline, review,
- MeSH
- analýza dat MeSH
- Archaea genetika klasifikace MeSH
- Bacteria genetika klasifikace MeSH
- environmentální DNA genetika MeSH
- Eukaryota genetika klasifikace MeSH
- metagenomika metody MeSH
- software * MeSH
- taxonomické DNA čárové kódování * metody MeSH
- výpočetní biologie * metody MeSH
- vysoce účinné nukleotidové sekvenování metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- environmentální DNA MeSH
Freshwater ecosystems and their bordering wetlands and riparian zones are vital for human society and biological diversity. Yet, they are among the most degraded ecosystems, where sharp declines in biodiversity are driven by human activities, such as hydropower development, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Because freshwater ecosystems are characterized by strongly reciprocal linkages with surrounding landscapes, human activities that encroach on or degrade riparian zones ultimately lead to declines in freshwater-riparian ecosystem functioning. We synthesized results of a symposium on freshwater, riparian, and wetland processes and interactions and analyzed some of the major problems associated with improving freshwater and riparian research and management. Three distinct barriers are the lack of involvement of local people in conservation research and management, absence of adequate measurement of biodiversity in freshwater and riparian ecosystems, and separate legislation and policy on riparian and freshwater management. Based on our findings, we argue that freshwater and riparian research and conservation efforts should be integrated more explicitly. Best practices for overcoming the 3 major barriers to improved conservation include more and sustainable use of traditional and other forms of local ecological knowledge, choosing appropriate metrics for ecological research and monitoring of restoration efforts, and mirroring the close links between riparian and freshwater ecosystems in legislation and policy. Integrating these 3 angles in conservation science and practice will provide substantial benefits in addressing the freshwater biodiversity crisis.
Tres grandes pasos hacia la conservación de la biodiversidad ribereña y de agua dulce Resumen Los ecosistemas de agua dulce y los humedales y zonas ribereñas que los bordean son vitales para la sociedad y la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, se encuentran entre los ecosistemas más degradados en donde las declinaciones graves de la biodiversidad son causadas por actividades humanas como el desarrollo hidroeléctrico, la agricultura, la silvicultura y las pesquerías. Puesto que los ecosistemas de agua dulce se caracterizan por tener un vínculo recíproco con los paisajes que los rodean, las actividades humanas que invaden o degradan las zonas ribereñas terminan en la declinación del funcionamiento del ecosistema ribereño de agua dulce. Sintetizamos los resultados de un simposio sobre los procesos e interacciones de agua dulce, ribereños y de humedales y analizamos algunos de los principales problemas asociados con la mejora de la investigación y gestión de agua dulce y ríos. Tres barreras claras son la falta de participación de la población local en la investigación y gestión de la conservación, la ausencia de una medición adecuada de la biodiversidad en los ecosistemas de agua dulce y ribereños, y una legislación y política separadas sobre la gestión ribereña y de agua dulce. Con base en nuestros hallazgos, argumentamos que la investigación y los esfuerzos de conservación de agua dulce y ríos deberían integrarse de manera más explícita. Las mejores prácticas para sobreponerse a las tres grandes barreras incluyen un mayor uso sustentable de los conocimientos tradicionales y otras formas de conocimiento, la selección de medidas apropiadas para la investigación ecológica y el monitoreo de los esfuerzos de restauración y la replicación de los vínculos cercanos entre los ecosistemas ribereños y de agua dulce en la legislación y en las políticas. La integración de estos tres ángulos dentro de las ciencias y prácticas de conservación proporcionará beneficios importantes en la manera de abordar la crisis de la biodiversidad de agua dulce.
- Klíčová slova
- agua dulce, biodiversidad, biodiversity, conocimiento ecológico tradicional, conservación, conservation, freshwater, humedales, policy, políticas, ribereño, riparian, traditional ecological knowledge, wetlands, 传统生态知识, 保护, 政策, 河岸, 淡水, 湿地, 生物多样性,
- MeSH
- biodiverzita * MeSH
- mokřady MeSH
- řeky * MeSH
- sladká voda * MeSH
- zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
