Diversity

14 pages, 3146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution Patterns of Herbaceous Vegetation Diversity and Environmental Drivers in the Subalpine Ecosystem of Anyemaqen Mountains, Qinghai Province, China

by Zihan Dong, Haodong Liu, Hua Liu, Yongfu Chen, Xinru Fu, Jiajia Xia, Yongshou Ma, Ziwei Zhang and Qiao Chen

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120755 (registering DOI) - 12 Dec 2024

Abstract

Understanding the spatial distribution of herbaceous vegetation is critical for assessing how biodiversity may respond to climate change, particularly in high-elevation ecosystems. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China is a hotspot of biodiversity research in the world, and the relationship between plant species distribution [...] Read more.

Understanding the spatial distribution of herbaceous vegetation is critical for assessing how biodiversity may respond to climate change, particularly in high-elevation ecosystems. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China is a hotspot of biodiversity research in the world, and the relationship between plant species distribution in alpine communities and topography and soils is understudied in the Anyemaqen Mountains in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study investigates the patterns of α and β diversity of herbaceous plants and their key environmental drivers in the subalpine ecosystem of the Anyemaqen Mountains on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Data on vegetation and environmental variables were collected across a gradient of 10 elevations ranging from 3600 to 4600 m during the 2021 growing season. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA, redundancy analysis (RDA), and Monte Carlo significance tests, revealed significant differences between sunny and shady slopes in species composition and diversity. Species richness decreased with increasing elevation on sunny slopes, while the reverse trend was observed on shady slopes. Elevation and gradient were the most influential factors in both slope aspects, while soil thickness was significant on shady slopes. These findings contribute to understanding the environmental mechanisms that regulate biodiversity in alpine ecosystems and provide valuable insights for formulating conservation strategies in response to climate change. Full article

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17 pages, 2688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Diversity and Ancestry of Fine-Aroma Cacao from Tumaco, Colombia

by Paola Delgadillo-Duran, Jhon A. Berdugo-Cely, Julián Mejía-Salazar, José Ives Pérez-Zúñiga and Roxana Yockteng

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120754 (registering DOI) - 12 Dec 2024

Abstract

The cacao plant, Theobroma cacao, is economically significant, as its beans are essential for chocolate production. Cacao from Tumaco on Colombia’s Pacific coast is renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma, accessing specialty markets. However, production challenges include low yields, inconsistent post-harvest [...] Read more.

The cacao plant, Theobroma cacao, is economically significant, as its beans are essential for chocolate production. Cacao from Tumaco on Colombia’s Pacific coast is renowned for its distinct flavor and aroma, accessing specialty markets. However, production challenges include low yields, inconsistent post-harvest practices, and limited knowledge of local genotypes. To tackle these issues, a research project genetically characterized 25 Tumaco landraces, establishing their phylogenetic relationships using reduced representation libraries (RRL). The analysis yielded 359,950 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for Tumaco and identified 38,812 SNPs in common with Colombian National Germplasm Bank genotypes and reference groups. Genetic structure analysis divided Tumaco samples into nine populations, revealing admixtures primarily from the Nacional, Iquitos, Amelonado, and Criollo groups. Some Tumaco samples showed predominant ancestry from the Iquitos group, while others leaned towards the Nacional type, with limited Criollo and Contamana ancestry. No Tumaco landrace exhibited complete ancestry from a single group, suggesting a hybrid origin. These insights into Tumaco’s genetic diversity and structure are essential for improving landraces in Colombia’s Pacific region, contributing to the genetic enhancement of cacao. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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32 pages, 6246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mesophotic and Bathyal Echinoderms of the Italian Seas

by Margherita Toma, Giorgio Bavestrello, Francesco Enrichetti, Andrea Costa, Michela Angiolillo, Alessandro Cau, Franco Andaloro, Simonepietro Canese, Silvestro Greco and Marzia Bo

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120753 - 11 Dec 2024

Abstract

Echinoderms are among the most charismatic megabenthic taxa in mesophotic and deep waters. However, they generally have a scattered distribution and are difficult to collect, especially on hardgrounds, so defining their abundance, distribution and ecological preferences is challenging. The largest available Italian remotely [...] Read more.

Echinoderms are among the most charismatic megabenthic taxa in mesophotic and deep waters. However, they generally have a scattered distribution and are difficult to collect, especially on hardgrounds, so defining their abundance, distribution and ecological preferences is challenging. The largest available Italian remotely operated vehicle dataset, including 624 dives carried out between 2006 and 2022 in coastal and offshore areas in the depth range of 40–1825 m, was used to assess echinoderm diversity and large-scale geographic and bathymetric distributions. Thirty-nine taxa were identified, including three rarely reported from the Mediterranean basin. The maximum diversity and occurrence of the deep-sea echinoderm fauna were reported from the northern areas, and generally, they decreased with depth and distance from the coast. Species, mostly of Atlantic origin, were mainly distributed according to their thermic preferences. The recorded species occurred in a large variety of habitats, including some in which, differently from what was reported in the literature, they formed dense aggregations. The high densities of individuals were hypothesised to be related, in some cases, to reproductive, feeding or stress situations. Environmental predictors were considered in order to both investigate patterns in community composition and the response of the studied community to them. This work enhances the knowledge of deep-sea Mediterranean echinoderms, fundamental to implementing more effective monitoring and conservation strategies for the habitats in which they thrive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deep-Sea Echinoderms of the European Seas)

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42 pages, 10640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Model of Southern Sikhote-Alin Liverwort Flora and a New Approach to Analyze the Altitudinal Distribution Patterns in the Zov Tigra National Park (South of the Russian Far East, Temperate Pacific Asia)

by Ksenia G. Klimova, Vadim A. Bakalin, Daniil A. Bakalin and Seung Se Choi

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120752 - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

The liverwort flora in Zov Tigra National Park in southern Sikhote-Alin (Primorye Territory, south of the Russian Far East), which has one of the richest regional floras, was studied to assess its taxonomic diversity, and analyzed using a new approach to determine altitudinal [...] Read more.

The liverwort flora in Zov Tigra National Park in southern Sikhote-Alin (Primorye Territory, south of the Russian Far East), which has one of the richest regional floras, was studied to assess its taxonomic diversity, and analyzed using a new approach to determine altitudinal distribution patterns. This new approach is based on probabilistic models of the altitudinal distribution of individual taxa proposed for identifying altitudinal groups of species. This method can be used to analyze patterns of the distribution of species of various taxonomic groups in cases where a sufficiently representative dataset is available and may be especially relevant in regions where altitudinal zonation is not obvious or changes in the altitudinal fractions of the dominant vegetation are too continuous. The proposed method revealed three altitudinal groups that were more clearly differentiated than groups of taxa based on altitudinal vegetation belts. Based on the obtained results, the most important bioclimatic indices correlated with the altitudinal distribution of liverworts were identified: annual mean temperature (BIO1), annual precipitation (BIO12), isothermality (BIO3), and factors associated with the temperature and amount of precipitation during the warmest period of the year, including the maximum temperature of the warmest month (BIO5), the mean temperature of the wettest quarter (BIO8), the mean temperature of the warmest quarter (BIO10), precipitation during the wettest month (BIO13), precipitation during the wettest quarter (BIO16), and precipitation during the warmest quarter (BIO18). This study reports 130 species, 1 variety, and 1 subspecies. Pseudolophozia debiliformis and Scapania praetervisa are newly recorded for Sikhote-Alin and the Primorye Territory. Diplophyllum albicans and Cephaloziella rubella are newly reported for the Primorye Territory. The national park liverwort flora can be classified as boreal–temperate circumpolar–East Asian. Given the high taxonomic diversity and coverage of all altitudinal zones represented in the region, the liverwort flora in Zov Tigra National Park can serve as a model for all liverwort floras in southern Sikhote-Alin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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15 pages, 2035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogeny and Genetic Population Structure of Dominant Copepods in Two Ponds with Contrasting Salinities in the Solar Saltern of Sfax (Tunisia) Based on Mitochondrial (COI and Cytb) and Nuclear (18S) DNA Sequences

by Chiraz Ladhar, Françoise Denis, Wassim Guermazi, Neila Annabi-Trabelsi, Nathalie Casse, Habib Ayadi and George N. Hotos

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120751 - 8 Dec 2024

Abstract

Due to the complexity of taxonomic classification based on the classical morphological characters of copepods, phylogenies have been ambiguous. In this study, we investigate the phylogeny of copepods, including four species from three orders, in the saltern of Sfax using the small subunit [...] Read more.

Due to the complexity of taxonomic classification based on the classical morphological characters of copepods, phylogenies have been ambiguous. In this study, we investigate the phylogeny of copepods, including four species from three orders, in the saltern of Sfax using the small subunit of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes (18S). In the studied area, copepods seemed to be a polyphyletic group, and the genetic structure of these crustaceans is complex and problematic. We have also used two mitochondrial markers, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene and the cytochrome b (Cytb) sequence data, in order to investigate the genetic diversity and differentiation in a total of 96 individuals from two sets of Paracartia grani, sampled from two ponds with different salinities (42 PSU and 61 PSU). All of the results presented here suggest a low genetic diversity among P. grani species and a weak genetic structure between the sets. The nucleotide and haplotype diversity of P. grani were extremely low, indicating the homogeneity of the two sets, which could be combined into one set living in different ranges of salinity. This small genetic diversity is possibly due to the confined natural distribution range and strong selective pressure in a saltern environment. These data also suggest that gene flow is the main factor shaping the genetic structure of the studied sets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Phylogeny and Evolution)

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24 pages, 2199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Microplastics, Cadmium, and Their Mixtures on Biochemical Biomarkers in the Freshwater Bivalve Corbicula fluminea (Bivalvia, Corbiculidea)

by Susana Parra, Dércia Santos, Ana Luzio, Edna Cabecinha, Maria José Saavedra, Jesús Gago, Simone Varandas and Sandra Mariza Monteiro

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120750 - 6 Dec 2024

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are a worldwide contaminant of significant environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and toxic potential. These plastic particles are taken up by invertebrates such as bivalves. Previous studies have indicated that MPs can serve as carriers for other contaminants, [...] Read more.

Microplastics (MPs) are a worldwide contaminant of significant environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and toxic potential. These plastic particles are taken up by invertebrates such as bivalves. Previous studies have indicated that MPs can serve as carriers for other contaminants, such as heavy metals, thereby increasing their bioavailability to organisms, with unpredictable ecological consequences. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to MPs, cadmium (Cd), and their mixtures (Mix) in the gills, digestive gland, and gonad of the Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, assessing the oxidative stress responses, LDH activity, and neurotoxicity over 7, 14, 21, and 30 days. The results show that exposure to MPs and their mixtures with the lowest Cd concentration led to the activation of the first line of antioxidant defenses, especially SOD and CAT, in the gills, digestive gland, and gonads. An increase in GST activity was also observed in the gonads. However, the response of GST activity in the gills and digestive gland was opposite that observed in the gonads. Furthermore, LDH activity exhibited contrasting responses, increasing in the digestive gland and decreasing in the gills and gonads. Exposure to MPs induced AChE activity, which contradicts previous findings. The results provide novel insights into the biological responses occurring in different target organs and shed light on the effects of MPs and their mixtures on C. fluminea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Freshwater Mollusk Research)

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18 pages, 11993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Factors on Bacterial Populations in Riverine, Estuarine, and Coastal Sediments

by Ramganesh Selvarajan, Ming Yang, Henry J. O. Ogola, Timothy Sibanda and Akebe Luther King Abia

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120749 - 6 Dec 2024

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, estuaries, and coastal environments, are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, regulating nutrient cycles, and supporting human livelihoods. However, these ecosystems are increasingly being threatened by urbanization, making it essential to understand their microbial communities and their ecological roles. This study [...] Read more.

Aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, estuaries, and coastal environments, are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, regulating nutrient cycles, and supporting human livelihoods. However, these ecosystems are increasingly being threatened by urbanization, making it essential to understand their microbial communities and their ecological roles. This study employed high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the bacterial communities within the riverine, estuarine, and coastal sediments of Adyar Creek, Chennai, India. Proteobacteria were the dominant phylum across most samples, with proportions ranging from 39.65% to 72.09%. Notably, the estuarine environment exhibited a distinct taxonomic profile characterized by a significant abundance of Firmicutes (47.09% of the bacterial population). Distinct bacterial classes were observed across sediment types: Alphaproteobacteria (30.07–34.32%) in riverine sediments, Bacilli dominated estuarine sediments (40.17%), and Gammaproteobacteria (15.71–51.94%) in coastal sediments. The most significant environmental factors influencing the bacterial community composition across these samples were pH, salinity, phosphate, and nitrate. LEfSe (Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size) analysis identified specific genera within the estuary, including Bacillus (20.26%), unclassified_Paenibacillus (12.87%), Clostridium (3.81%), Gailella (3.17%), Paenibacillus (3.02%), Massilia (1.70%), Paraburkholderia (1.42%), and Pantoea (1.15%), as potential biomarkers for habitat health. Functional analysis revealed an elevated expression of the genes associated with ABC transporters and carbon metabolism in the estuary, suggesting a heightened nutrient cycling capacity. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis indicated that bacterial communities exhibit a strong modular structure with complex species interactions across the three sediment types. These findings highlight bacterial communities’ critical role and the key drivers in estuarine ecosystems, establishing a baseline for further investigations into the functional ecology of these vulnerable ecosystems. Full article

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10 pages, 6644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Ecological Stoichiometry of Shrub Fine Roots in the Alpine Region of Northwest China

by Jian Ma, Qi Feng, Wei Liu, Bin Chen, Meng Zhu, Chengqi Zhang, Feng Ta, Xiaoping Tian, Yufang Zhan and Xiaopeng Li

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120748 - 5 Dec 2024

Abstract

Understanding the relationships between nutrient content in plant roots and ecological stoichiometry is crucial for elucidating nutrient utilization strategies and material cycling in alpine plant communities. However, data characterizing the stoichiometric characteristics of plant roots in this region remain limited. In this study, [...] Read more.

Understanding the relationships between nutrient content in plant roots and ecological stoichiometry is crucial for elucidating nutrient utilization strategies and material cycling in alpine plant communities. However, data characterizing the stoichiometric characteristics of plant roots in this region remain limited. In this study, we collected fine-root and soil samples from five common alpine shrub species—Salix gilashanica, Potentilla fruticosa, Caragana jubata, Caragana tangutica, and Berberis diaphana—to investigate the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric characteristics of their fine roots and examine the potential nutrient control strategies based on the soil properties. Our analysis revealed that the mean C (541.38 g kg⁻¹) and P (1.10 g kg⁻¹) contents in the shrub fine roots exceeded the average levels of the plant roots in China. However, the mean N content (8.61 g kg⁻¹) was lower than the global average. Notably, the mean C:N ratio (71.3) in these fine roots was significantly higher than the global average, whereas both the mean C:P ratio (527.61) and N:P ratio (8.11) were considerably lower. The N:P ratios in the fine roots of the five shrub species were below 14, indicating nitrogen limitation for growth in the degraded alpine shrub communities. Our findings indicate that soil available phosphorus (33.2%) and pH (20.5%) are the primary factors influencing the eco-stoichiometric characteristics of shrub fine roots in the Qilian Mountains. These findings provide valuable data and theoretical support for a better understanding of the role of shrub roots in nutrient cycling within alpine ecosystems. Full article

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38 pages, 105388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Additions to the Marine Mastogloia (Bacillariophyceae) from Cuban Coasts; Remarks on Misidentified Taxa

by David Alfaro Siqueiros Beltrones, Erisbel Echevarría Herrera and Francisco Omar López-Fuerte

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120747 - 5 Dec 2024

Abstract

During a floristic inspection of sediment samples from Playa Las Gaviotas, 69 specific and infra-specific taxa of Mastogloia were identified in the diatom taxocenosis, including 42 unrecorded taxa for the Cuban coasts. These are added to the 59 Mastogloia taxa previously listed. In [...] Read more.

During a floristic inspection of sediment samples from Playa Las Gaviotas, 69 specific and infra-specific taxa of Mastogloia were identified in the diatom taxocenosis, including 42 unrecorded taxa for the Cuban coasts. These are added to the 59 Mastogloia taxa previously listed. In this way, currently, the 101 Mastogloia comprised in the benthic diatom associations of the Cuban coast constitute the highest number of taxa ever recorded in similar floristic studies, which also indicates their tropical affinity. Furthermore, observations are made on misidentified taxa such as Mastogloia (Orthoneis) aspera, M. asperuloides, M. (Orthoneis) clevei, M. floridensis, M. latecostata, M. laterorostrata, M. ovata, M. sigillata, M. pseudolatecostata, and others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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19 pages, 3022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Contribution of a Generalist Citizen Science Project for Alien Species Detection and Monitoring in Coastal Areas. A Case Study on the Adriatic of Central Italy

by Federica Compagnone, Marco Varricchione, Angela Stanisci, Giorgio Matteucci and Maria Laura Carranza

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120746 - 5 Dec 2024

Abstract

Coastal areas are biodiversity hotspots, providing essential ecosystem services, yet they are among the most threatened systems, particularly by alien species invasion. The European regulation on invasive alien species (IAS) highlights early detection as a key prerequisite for effective containment or eradication strategies. [...] Read more.

Coastal areas are biodiversity hotspots, providing essential ecosystem services, yet they are among the most threatened systems, particularly by alien species invasion. The European regulation on invasive alien species (IAS) highlights early detection as a key prerequisite for effective containment or eradication strategies. Traditional monitoring methods are costly and time-consuming, and Citizen Science (CS) may be a promising alternative. We assessed the contribution of the generalist CS project “Wild Coast Adriatic” (WCA) developed on the iNaturalist platform to the detection of alien species (AS) along the Central Adriatic coast. Using WCA, we extracted alien occurrences and explored AS seasonal patterns, geographic origins, dangers (EU regulation), and distributions inside protected areas (Natura 2000 and LTER sites). Between 2020 and 2023, WCA gathered 2194 research-grade observations of 687 species, including 139 records of 50 AS, five of which are of European concern. Asteraceae and Fabaceae (plants) as well as insects and mollusks (fauna) were the most abundant aliens. The observations increased over time, with more records concentrated in autumn and summer. Most AS come from the Americas and occurred outside the protected areas. Our results underline the contribution of CS data for detecting AS in coastal ecosystems, offering a valid support for early warning, monitoring, and management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Italy: Past and Future Perspectives)

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19 pages, 2676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bacterial Diversity Profiles of Desert Sand and Salt Crusts from the Gran Desierto de Altar, Sonora, Mexico

by Cristal Ramos-Madrigal, Esperanza Martínez-Romero, Yunuen Tapia-Torres and Luis E. Servín-Garcidueñas

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120745 - 4 Dec 2024

Abstract

The Gran Desierto de Altar, located in Sonora, Mexico, represents an arid region that offers an opportunity to study microbial life under extreme conditions. This study analyzed the bacterial diversity present in two distinct types of desert sediments: sand dunes (SDs) and salt [...] Read more.

The Gran Desierto de Altar, located in Sonora, Mexico, represents an arid region that offers an opportunity to study microbial life under extreme conditions. This study analyzed the bacterial diversity present in two distinct types of desert sediments: sand dunes (SDs) and salt crusts (SCs) by culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. Environmental DNA was obtained for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to obtain taxonomic information using QIIME2. In SD, the bacterial communities comprised 24 phyla, with Actinobacteriota (30–40%), Proteobacteria (22–27%), Bacteroidota (9–11%), Firmicutes (7–10%), and Chloroflexi (3–6%) emerging as the most abundant. Notably, in SC, the archaeal phylum Halobacterota was predominant (37–58%). SC hosted 12 bacterial phyla, the most abundant being Firmicutes (14–30%), Bacteroidota (3–24%), and Proteobacteria (1–12%). Bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes, including Metabacillus niabensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, and Alkalibacillus haloalkaliphilus, were isolated using nutrient and saline media. Overall, our findings indicate that the taxonomic composition of the samples analyzed from the Gran Desierto de Altar is consistent with that found in arid environments worldwide. This study provides a basis for future studies focusing on microbial diversity, genetic potentials, and resistance mechanisms of microorganisms from arid environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Diversity and Culture Collections)

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9 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessReview

Overharvesting Is the Leading Conservation Issue of the Endangered Flagship Species Artemisia granatensis Boiss

by Juan Lorite

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120744 - 3 Dec 2024

Abstract

Here I examine the overexploitation of Artemisia granatensis, a narrow endemic medicinal plant species from Sierra Nevada, Spain, and the consequences for its conservation. With over 50,000 flowering plant species used for medicinal purposes worldwide, many species face sustainability issues due to [...] Read more.

Here I examine the overexploitation of Artemisia granatensis, a narrow endemic medicinal plant species from Sierra Nevada, Spain, and the consequences for its conservation. With over 50,000 flowering plant species used for medicinal purposes worldwide, many species face sustainability issues due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Historical documentation of A. granatensis use dates back to the 13th century, highlighting its significance in traditional medicine. However, this species has suffered extensive overexploitation, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to a significant decline in populations. Conservation concerns were first raised in 1909, and despite the species being legally protected since 1982, illegal collection and environmental pressures persist. Today, A. granatensis is critically endangered, with fewer than 2000 individuals remaining in fragmented populations. The study synthesizes the historical and recent literature to understand the long-standing pressures on this species and the limited conservation efforts made. Cultivation of A. granatensis is proposed as a crucial strategy to reduce pressure on wild populations and ensure the survival of this flagship important plant species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2024 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)

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18 pages, 2469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Can High Temperatures Affect Body Size in Insects? The Case of Rubyspot Damselflies in the Colombian Western Andes

by Cornelio A. Bota-Sierra, Adolfo Cordero-Rivera, Rodolfo Novelo-Gutiérrez, Melissa Sánchez-Herrera and Gustavo A. Londoño

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120743 - 30 Nov 2024

Abstract

Basal metabolic rates (BMRs) increase with temperature and body mass. Environmental temperatures rapidly change in tropical mountains due to elevation (macro scale) and vegetation structure (micro scale). Thus, tropical mountains are good settings for testing the effects of temperature on BMRs. We measured [...] Read more.

Basal metabolic rates (BMRs) increase with temperature and body mass. Environmental temperatures rapidly change in tropical mountains due to elevation (macro scale) and vegetation structure (micro scale). Thus, tropical mountains are good settings for testing the effects of temperature on BMRs. We measured the BMRs at four temperature ranges on six territorial and closely related species of Rubyspot damselflies (Hetaerina, Calopterygidae), which also share very similar behavior and morphology and are segregated by habitat and elevation across the Western Colombian Andes. We analyzed the effects of body mass, habitat, elevation, temperature, and sex on their BMRs, using a phylogenetic framework. We found that the main factors regulating their niche partition seemed to be environmental temperature, body size, and BMR. We found differences in their BMRs related to elevation when the temperatures were close to those experienced by the damselflies at their elevational range. As predicted, the larger species associated with colder habitats, forests, and highlands had higher BMRs. However, at high stressful temperatures, only the body mass was positively related to the BMR, showing that smaller individuals can keep their BMRs lower under high temperatures compared to bigger ones. Habitat use was not associated with changes in the BMR. Finally, phylogenetic reconstruction showed all species clustered in three clades. Each clade in the phylogenetic tree shares similar habitat preferences, pointing to a mixture of evolutionary history, thermal adaptations, and body mass differences as a possible explanation for the great diversity of these damselflies in a small area. Under the global warming scenario, we expect Rubyspots with smaller body sizes to be favored since they will tolerate higher temperatures, which would ultimately lead to populations with smaller body sizes overall, which could negatively affect their fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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20 pages, 11251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dramatic Enhancement of Macrozoobenthic Species β-Diversity in Response to Artificial Breakwater Construction Along a Tropical Coastline

by Huan Chiao Lee, Christopher J. Glasby, Anja Schulze, Han Raven, Siong Kiat Tan, Takaomi Arai, Amirah Md Jin, Nurun Nazihah Tal’ah, Ainina Zarifi and David J. Marshall

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120742 - 30 Nov 2024

Abstract

The beneficial or detrimental effects of human-built marine structures (piers, breakwaters, and seawalls) on macrozoobenthic assemblages and diversities are currently underexplored. The present study investigated the enhancement of β-diversity of oysterbed-associated species on breakwaters constructed along sandy beaches. We compared habitat complexities and [...] Read more.

The beneficial or detrimental effects of human-built marine structures (piers, breakwaters, and seawalls) on macrozoobenthic assemblages and diversities are currently underexplored. The present study investigated the enhancement of β-diversity of oysterbed-associated species on breakwaters constructed along sandy beaches. We compared habitat complexities and species assemblages among artificial breakwater shores (ABS), a natural rocky shore (NS), and an embayment shore (ES). Oysterbed habitat complexity was found to be greatest on the ABS due to the successional colonization of the reef-forming estuarine oyster, Saccostrea echinata, followed by the colonization of boring bivalves and burrowing annelids. High-resolution taxonomic data revealed that the ABS supports the greatest species richness, including 48.1% unique species and 33.3% species shared with the embayment shore. The other shores uniquely or in combination with ABS support up to 11.1% of the total species richness associated with the oysterbeds (n = 81). Taxonomic dominance in terms of species number was Mollusca > Annelida > Arthropoda. This study reveals that ABS enhances β-diversity by ~91% (Jaccard dissimilarity index), which is driven by the sequential cascading events of (1) sheltering of shores, (2) colonization of novel habitat-forming oysters, (3) novel macrozoobenthic species recruitment from adjacent shores and sheltered embayments, including habitat-forming bivalves and annelids, and (4) the recruitment of macrozoobenthic species to boreholes. ABS habitat complexity derives from a spatially distinct, three-tiered ecological engineering system, involving (1) breakwater construction (100 m), (2) reef-forming oysters (10 m), and (3) boring bivalves and burrowing annelids (<10 cm). Irrespective of the purpose of their construction, breakwaters along extended sandy shores can potentially increase the resilience (β-diversity) and regional interconnectivity of hard surface macrozoobenthic species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigation of the Biology, Ecology, Distribution of Marine Macrozoobenthic Communities—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 3120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reconstructing Historical Changes in the Macroalgal Vegetation of a Central Mediterranean Coastal Area Based on Herbarium Collections

by Fabio Rindi, Giulia Bellanti, Anna Annibaldi and Stefano Accoroni

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120741 - 30 Nov 2024

Abstract

Well-conserved herbarium specimens of marine macroalgae represent a valuable resource for multiple types of investigation. When algal herbaria host specimens collected over long time spans from a certain geographic area, they have the potential to document historical changes in the benthic vegetation of [...] Read more.

Well-conserved herbarium specimens of marine macroalgae represent a valuable resource for multiple types of investigation. When algal herbaria host specimens collected over long time spans from a certain geographic area, they have the potential to document historical changes in the benthic vegetation of that area. In this study, historical changes in the macroalgal vegetation of a central Mediterranean coast (Conero Riviera, Adriatic Sea) were assessed based on a critical re-examination of the herbarium of Irma Pierpaoli (collection period 1925–1951) and the phycological herbarium of the Polytechnic University of Marche (ANC ALG, collections made mostly in the period 1999–2024). For both herbaria, the identifications of many specimens were revised based on the current species circumscriptions. The comparison indicates that some major changes occurred between the two collection periods: a switch in the morphological functional structure of the vegetation (increase in the number of filamentous species, decrease in leathery macrophytes, and the near disappearance of calcareous articulated algae), local extinction of some species (at least 23, possibly more), and introduction of 11 species of non-indigenous seaweeds. Anthropogenic impacts (habitat destruction, increase in sediment load, and impacts of port activities and maritime traffic) are considered the main factors responsible for these changes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Herbaria: A Key Resource for Plant Diversity Exploration)

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11 pages, 1014 KiB

Open AccessData Descriptor

Biodiversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) in Central European Russia

by Leonid V. Egorov, Aleksey S. Sazhnev, Sergey V. Dedyukhin, Alexander B. Ruchin, Olga S. Trushitsyna, Anna M. Nikolaeva, Mikhail N. Esin and Evgeniy A. Lobachev

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120740 - 29 Nov 2024

Abstract

(1) Background: Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) are the most diverse order of insects. The beetle species live in many ecosystems around the globe and their roles in ecosystems are very diverse; therefore, it is important to know the local and regional biodiversity. Conservation of [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) are the most diverse order of insects. The beetle species live in many ecosystems around the globe and their roles in ecosystems are very diverse; therefore, it is important to know the local and regional biodiversity. Conservation of the entomofauna in individual macroregions requires effort to study the distribution and abundance of insects. To this end, databases are being created to record this information so that the status of a species can be objectively assessed and, if necessary, measures taken to protect it. (2) Methods: The materials were collected from the territory of eleven regions of European Russia (Ryazan, Tambov, Penza, Voronezh, Lipetsk, Moscow (including the city of Moscow), Vladimir, Kursk, Tula and Kaluga Oblasts and the Republic of Mordovia), mainly during the last approximately 20 years (2005–2024). The beetles were collected by different means (manual collection; the use of soil traps, fermental crown traps, and Malaise traps; light fishing; sweeping with an entomological net on plants and under water, etc.). (3) Results: The dataset presents data on 1310 species and subspecies of Coleoptera from 74 families found in the Eastern Part of the Eastern European Plain. In total, there are 65,100 samples and 10,771 occurrences in the dataset. (4) Conclusions: The largest families in terms of species diversity are Curculionidae (198 species), Carabidae (183 species), Staphylinidae (121 species) and Chrysomelidae (120 species). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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22 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proteins Associated with Salinity Adaptation of the Dinoflagellates: Diversity and Potential Involvement in Species Evolution

by Nataliia V. Annenkova

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120739 - 29 Nov 2024

Abstract

Protists inhabit marine, brackish and fresh waters. The salt barrier plays an important role in the origin of their diversity. Salinity tolerance differs among species and sometimes even among different strains of the same species, indicating local adaptation. Dinoflagellates from the Apocalathium genus [...] Read more.

Protists inhabit marine, brackish and fresh waters. The salt barrier plays an important role in the origin of their diversity. Salinity tolerance differs among species and sometimes even among different strains of the same species, indicating local adaptation. Dinoflagellates from the Apocalathium genus are represented by at least four species, which originated via rapid and recent radiation. Water salinity was suggested as one of the key factors for this radiation. A previous study found RNA transcripts, which belong exclusively to saline strains of Apocalathium, and were absent in its freshwater strains. In the present paper, the diversity of these transcripts and their orthologs from marine and freshwater protists were analysed using bioinformatic approaches. First, it was found that these specific transcripts translated to the proteins, which are important for osmoregulation (e.g., transport of various compounds including glycine betaine, regulation of microtubule organisation, post transcriptional modifications). This supports the idea that speciation within Apocalathium resulted in the loss of osmoregulatory genes by freshwater species. Second, protein distribution was not highly species specific, because their orthologs were found in different dinoflagellates and were relatively common in other phototrophic protists, though the sequences were highly variable. Proteins from 13 orthogroups were absent or very rare in studied freshwater genomes and transcriptomes. They could play a specific role in protists salinity tolerance. Third, detailed phylogenetic analyses of betaine-like transporter and chloride transmembrane transporters, which probably are one of the key proteins associated with salinity tolerance, revealed high levels of multiple and variable copies that were not eliminated from the genome during the evolution. The expression of their genes could be important in the adaptation of dinoflagellates to salinity changes, as it was already shown for some other protists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Pollution: Effects on Aquatic Environments and Biodiversity)

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15 pages, 1947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Surrounding Landscape Context on Threatened Wetland Bird Diversity at the Global Scale

by Lihe Li, Yiwen Liu, Haokun Wang, Yemeng Zhu, Yuxiang Li, Chi Xu and Shuqing N. Teng

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120738 - 29 Nov 2024

Abstract

Wetland birds are undergoing severe population declines globally, primarily attributed to extensive wetland loss and degradation. The attributes of the landscape surrounding a focal locality, referred to as ‘landscape context’, have been shown to influence the diversity of wetland birds living in the [...] Read more.

Wetland birds are undergoing severe population declines globally, primarily attributed to extensive wetland loss and degradation. The attributes of the landscape surrounding a focal locality, referred to as ‘landscape context’, have been shown to influence the diversity of wetland birds living in the given area. At a global scale, however, the landscape context effects on wetland birds have not been assessed. Here, we assessed the effect of landscape context on the richness of threatened bird species recorded in 334 inland Ramsar wetland sites across the globe. Generalized linear mixed models were used to quantify the relationship between the richness of these bird species and the landscape context of the Ramsar sites. Variation partitioning was used to quantify the independent explanatory power of landscape context for comparison between migratory and non-migratory species. The overall and independent explanatory power of landscape context for the global-scale richness pattern of threatened avifauna reached ca. 17% and 3%, respectively, with the scale of peak explanatory power being 5 times the area of a focal Ramsar site. The independent explanatory power of landscape context was significantly higher for migratory species (ca. 30%) than for non-migratory ones (ca. 3%). Among the landscape context metrics, wetland habitat loss and fragmentation were most strongly associated with the global-scale richness of threatened migrant species at Ramsar sites. Our results suggest that even at macroecological scales, landscape context contributes to shaping the richness pattern of threatened bird species, especially for migrants. These findings provide useful insight for managing landscapes surrounding Ramsar sites, in order to improve conservation effectiveness for wetland birds worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biogeography and Macroecology)

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26 pages, 36400 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Redescription of Euscorpius studentium Based on Adult Specimens; Updated Classification of Cavernicolous Euscorpiidae; and Review of Cavernicolous Scorpions in the Balkans

by Javier Blasco-Aróstegui and Lorenzo Prendini

Diversity 2024, 16(12), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16120737 - 29 Nov 2024

Abstract

Cavernicolous scorpions are difficult to collect and study due to their often inaccessible habitats. Some have evolved unique morphological adaptations, known as troglomorphies, including reduced sclerotization and pigmentation, reduction and/or loss of eyes, attenuation and elongation of the appendages, which assist them to [...] Read more.

Cavernicolous scorpions are difficult to collect and study due to their often inaccessible habitats. Some have evolved unique morphological adaptations, known as troglomorphies, including reduced sclerotization and pigmentation, reduction and/or loss of eyes, attenuation and elongation of the appendages, which assist them to thrive in dark, humid and low-energy input environments. Cavernicolous scorpions are classified into accidentals, trogloxenes, troglophiles, and troglobites. The Balkans, and particularly the Dinaric Karst region, host a diverse cave-adapted fauna, including scorpions. Despite an 1895 report of a blind scorpion from Bosnia and Herzegovina, the first truly troglobitic European scorpion, Euscorpius studentium Karaman, 2020, was only described a few years ago, based on two immature specimens. In the present contribution, this unique species is redescribed based on the first adult specimens; the ecological classification of all currently known cavernicolous Euscorpiidae Laurie, 1896, is updated; a key to the identification of cavernicolous scorpions occurring in the Dinaric Karst is provided; and the historical and geographical factors affecting the distribution and conservation of cavernicolous scorpions in the Balkans is reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in the Diversity and Taxonomy of Subterranean Arthropods)

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