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Being Safe, but Not Too Safe: A Nudibranch Feeding on a Bryozoan-Associated Hydrozoan
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Amphibians of Rwanda: Diversity, Community Features, and Conservation Status
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Expanding the Fossil Record of Soldier Fly Larvae—An Important Component of the Cretaceous Amber Forest
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Unciolidae of Deep-Sea Iceland (Amphipoda, Crustacea)
Journal Description
Diversity
Diversity
is a peer-reviewed, open access journal on the science of biodiversity from molecules, genes, populations, and species, to ecosystems. Diversity is published monthly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubAg, GEOBASE, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Biodiversity Conservation) / CiteScore - Q2 (Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous))
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 15.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2022).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
3.031 (2021);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.906 (2021)
Latest Articles
Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera) Fauna of the Republic of Mordovia (Russia)
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060745 (registering DOI) - 06 Jun 2023
Abstract
(1) Background: Beetles in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea are one of the most important groups of Coleoptera. They are found in various ecosystems all over the world and belong to coprophagous, necrophagous, saproxylophagous, phyllophagous and rhizophagous types. The aim of the study is to
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(1) Background: Beetles in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea are one of the most important groups of Coleoptera. They are found in various ecosystems all over the world and belong to coprophagous, necrophagous, saproxylophagous, phyllophagous and rhizophagous types. The aim of the study is to describe the fauna and distribution of Scarabaeoidea in the Republic of Mordovia (central part of European Russia); (2) Methods: The study was conducted from 2003 to 2023. Collection material (specimens from 1972 and 1986) was also used. Specimens were collected using traditional Coleoptera collecting methods (manual collecting, light trap, collection of rotten remains and pitfall traps). For each observation, the coordinates, number of specimens and dates were recorded; (3) Results: The dataset contains 3198 occurrences. We examined 11,011 specimens of Scarabaeoidea. The dataset contains information on 88 species of Scarabaeoidea. Of these, five species (Aphodius pedellus, Nobius serotinus, Phaeaphodius rectus, Planolinus fasciatus and Onthophagus medius) are listed for the region for the first time. Another seven species are additionally known from others taken from the literature (but were not found during the present field survey); (4) Conclusions: Species diversity of Scarabaeoidea of Mordovia accounts for 95 species from 4 families (Geotrupidae, Trogidae, Lucanidae and Scarabaeidae). Ten species (Protaetia marmorata, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, Cetonia aurata, Protaetia cuprea volhyniensis, Oxythyrea funesta, Platycerus caraboides, Serica brunnea, Melolontha hippocastani, Trichius fasciatus and Protaetia fieberi) constitute the main population of Scarabaeoidea fauna given in the dataset. The species diversity of Scarabaeoidea of the Republic of Mordovia is roughly similar in number of species to that of neighboring or more northern regions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity of Fossil and Recent Insect Faunae)
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New Material of Karakoromys (Ctenodactylidae, Rodentia) from Late Eocene-Early Oligocene of Ulantatal (Nei Mongol): Taxonomy, Diversity, and Response to Climatic Change
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060744 - 05 Jun 2023
Abstract
The Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT) was one of the most profound climate changes in the Cenozoic era, characterized by global cooling around 34 million years ago. This time period also witnessed major faunal turnovers, such as the “Mongolian Remodeling” of Asia, characterized by the
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The Eocene-Oligocene Transition (EOT) was one of the most profound climate changes in the Cenozoic era, characterized by global cooling around 34 million years ago. This time period also witnessed major faunal turnovers, such as the “Mongolian Remodeling” of Asia, characterized by the dominance of rodents and lagomorphs after the EOT. Previous studies have primarily focused on overall faunal change across the EOT. Here, we examined one genus, the earliest ctenodactylid Karakoromys, based on rich fossils from continuous sections at Ulantatal, Nei Mongol, magnetostragraphically dated to latest Eocene-Early Oligocene. Based on a systematic paleontological study of these fossils, we recognized four species of Karakoromys (Karakoromys decussus, K. arcanus, K. chelkaris, and K. conjunctus sp. nov.), indicating a relatively high diversity of the most primitive ctenodactylids during the latest Eocene-Early Oligocene (~34.9–30.8 Ma). The turnover of ctenodactylids primarily occurred during a regional aridification event around 31 Ma rather than during the EOT cooling event, suggesting that regional precipitation variation in the semi-arid area may have played a more important role than global temperature change in the evolution of early ctenodactylids.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution of Mammalian Faunas under Global Change)
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Scorpions, Science and Folklore in Durango City
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, , , , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060743 - 05 Jun 2023
Abstract
Scorpions are incredible venomous animals found on almost every continent. According to fossil data, these animals have been able to adapt to the different environments from the Cambrian period until today with minimal anatomical changes. Scorpions are mostly nocturnal animals, and their ability
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Scorpions are incredible venomous animals found on almost every continent. According to fossil data, these animals have been able to adapt to the different environments from the Cambrian period until today with minimal anatomical changes. Scorpions are mostly nocturnal animals, and their ability to detect and tolerate light stimuli seems to be an essential tool for their subsistence, homing and mating. Centruroides suffuses is the most predominant specie of scorpions in Durango City, Mexico. Interestingly, and despite their life-threatening venom, these predatory arthropod animals have been adopted by locals as part of the landscape and daily life, by including them as part of their folklore and their economic resources, and learning how to take advantage of their abundance. In addition, the venom of scorpions possesses potential for therapeutic uses, while the scorpions themselves represent a nutritional food resource rich in protein, which has been poorly explored so far. Therefore, they are an excellent model for exploring the interplay between light sensibilities, survival and therapeutic–medicinal uses. Here, we review some of the potential benefits of scorpions and share the ways people in Durango City, Mexico, use UV light devices to detect and avoid or catch them for business and research purposes.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects)
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Open AccessCommunication
A First Record of Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) Coleoid Jaws in Siberia
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060742 - 05 Jun 2023
Abstract
In the present paper, we describe several coleoid jaws discovered in the lower Toarcian black shales, cropping out along the Vilyui River (Yakutia, Russia). This is the first record of a Lower Jurassic coleoid jaw outside Europe and the first report of such
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In the present paper, we describe several coleoid jaws discovered in the lower Toarcian black shales, cropping out along the Vilyui River (Yakutia, Russia). This is the first record of a Lower Jurassic coleoid jaw outside Europe and the first report of such a finding from the Mesozoic of Siberia. The described coleoid jaws demonstrate the same mode of preservation and morphology as the coeval jaws previously reported from Europe. Their preservation in Siberia became possible due to the widespread occurrence of black shale facies associated with the early Toarcian oceanic anoxic event (TOAE).
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(This article belongs to the Section Phylogeny and Evolution)
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Zoological Checklists: From Natural History Museums to Ecosystems
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060741 - 05 Jun 2023
Abstract
Backwards and forwards at once, the zoological checklists bring the past into the present and draw a direction towards the future [...]
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoological Checklists: From Natural History Museums to Ecosystems)
Open AccessArticle
Investigating Rare and Endangered Species: When a Single Methodology Is Not Enough—The Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus along the Coast of Salento (South Apulia, Italy)
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, , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060740 - 03 Jun 2023
Abstract
Several factors contributed, over time, to the Mediterranean monk seal’s sharp population decline. Despite the relative disappearance of documented breeding sub-populations, sightings have been collected, in recent decades, from most of the species’ former habitat. The conservation of this endangered marine mammal should
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Several factors contributed, over time, to the Mediterranean monk seal’s sharp population decline. Despite the relative disappearance of documented breeding sub-populations, sightings have been collected, in recent decades, from most of the species’ former habitat. The conservation of this endangered marine mammal should also encompass those areas. We conducted our research along the coast of Salento (South Apulia, Italy) as a case study. To collect data on monk seal presence in the area, expected to be characterized by low numbers, we combined three different methodologies: a questionnaire to fishermen, interviews with witnesses of sightings, and a historical review of the species’ presence. The different methodologies allowed us to collect 11 records of recent sightings (after 2000) and 30 records of historical encounters (before 2000), highlighting that the species was already rare in Salento over the last century. Most of the historical information was concentrated between 1956 and 1988 (28 records), suggesting discontinuous occurrence in the area, possibly depending on the lack of monitoring efforts. Furthermore, a broad regional approach should be considered as a more effective path to aid the monk seal recovery, better comprehend the species’ abundance and movements, and eventually contribute to the overall health of ecosystems.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Conservation and Restoration of Threatened Animal)
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Impacts of Diffuse Land-Use on Plant Diversity Patterns in the Miombo Woodlands of Western Zambia
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060739 - 03 Jun 2023
Abstract
Land use is known to influence the diversity of vascular plants in the Miombo woodlands. However, little is known about the interaction between soil and land use in herbaceous and woody species. We compared the diversity of vascular plants at the plot level
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Land use is known to influence the diversity of vascular plants in the Miombo woodlands. However, little is known about the interaction between soil and land use in herbaceous and woody species. We compared the diversity of vascular plants at the plot level (20 m × 50 m) and site level for three sites in the Miombo woodlands of western Zambia subject to different levels of intensity classes of diffuse land use (e.g., livestock herbivory and selective timber harvesting). For each of the sites, twenty plots were randomly selected for assessment of species composition of vascular plant species, indicators of land-use intensity, and soil chemistry per plot. We hypothesized that the site with the lowest human impact would have the highest richness and diversity of woody and herbaceous species. At the site level, we found that richness and diversity of woody species were unaffected by land-use intensity, whereas herbaceous species richness was higher for the protected site (28 species on average per 1000 m2) than the two other sites (23 and 21 species on average per 1000 m2). At the plot level, herbaceous species richness was positively associated with woodcutting and soil pH. We interpret the positive effect of woodcutting on herbaceous species richness as the effect of lower competition by the woody component for resources such as water, nutrients, and light. With regard to the absence of any effect of land-use intensity on the richness of woody species, we conclude that in our study areas selective timber harvesting may be at a sustainable level and might even have a positive effect on the diversity of the herbaceous layer.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Diversity and Conservation of Flora in Africa)
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High Evolutionary Potential Maintained in Common Frog (Rana temporaria) Populations Inhabiting Urban Drainage Ponds
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, , , , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060738 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
Urbanisation leading to habitat change and fragmentation is a recognised global threat to biodiversity. However, it may also offer opportunities for some species. Genetic diversity, one of the three components of biodiversity, is often overlooked in conservation planning and policy. In the present
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Urbanisation leading to habitat change and fragmentation is a recognised global threat to biodiversity. However, it may also offer opportunities for some species. Genetic diversity, one of the three components of biodiversity, is often overlooked in conservation planning and policy. In the present study, we used a panel of seven microsatellite markers to compare the genetic structure of 34 common frog (Rana temporaria) populations residing in urban and suburban drainage ponds in Inverness (Scotland) with populations from rural surroundings. As a main finding, the levels of genetic variation were indiscernible between (sub)urban and rural populations. Significant isolation-by-distance was observed only for rural populations, with measures of pairwise genetic differentiation (Fst) that were, on average, lower than those in urban and suburban areas. The mean numbers of alleles remained stable between two temporal sets of samples collected at intervals broadly representing one R. temporaria generation, but with a tendency of decreasing allelic richness, irrespectively of the site characteristics. Taking these results together, our study revealed that the elevated levels of differentiation between R. temporaria populations inhabiting (sub)urban drainage ponds did not lead to increased levels of genetic erosion. Our findings support the importance of well-designed blue–green infrastructure in urban landscapes for the retention of within-species genetic diversity and can help to inform future biodiversity management policies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Amphibians)
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Responses of Bird Communities to Habitat Structure along an Aridity Gradient in the Steppes North of the Sahara
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, , , , , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060737 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
We explored the influence of habitat structure on bird density and species richness in the poorly known bird communities in the steppes of Eastern Morocco, along a 200 km long N–S gradient of increasing aridity. The birds were surveyed, and habitat structure was
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We explored the influence of habitat structure on bird density and species richness in the poorly known bird communities in the steppes of Eastern Morocco, along a 200 km long N–S gradient of increasing aridity. The birds were surveyed, and habitat structure was measured in 44 transects regularly distributed along the gradient and during the winter and spring seasons in two consecutive years. After applying a principal component analysis (PCA), five axes were identified, including one related to the latitude–altitude–soil-type gradient and another describing the development of herbaceous vegetation. Generalized linear models were used to explore the relations between bird density and species richness with PCA axes in each season, considering both the entire community and groups of granivorous, insectivorous, and mixed-diet species. More than 90% of the birds were year-round residents, with larks dominating the community in both seasons. We conclude that a distinct multifactorial response can be identified for each functional group of species. In the winter, the community is mainly affected by the structure of the habitat, while aridity (and its assumed relation to primary production) is less influential. In the spring, habitat structure continues to have the greatest explanatory power, but location along the aridity gradient becomes more relevant. These findings reveal the interaction of the negative effects of climatic and anthropogenic changes in the habitat available to these bird communities, with a greater impact expected on birds with diets that include seeds, as well as a general shift of optimal breeding conditions toward more northerly latitudes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Farmland Birds)
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Stratigraphic and Paleoecological Significance of the Early/Middle Pleistocene Vertebrate Fauna of the Süttő 21 Site
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060736 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
The Süttő 21 site is a fissure fill of the freshwater limestone of the Gazda quarry in Süttő. The material was collected between 2017 and 2019, and the results are summarised in this article, with a special focus on the small vertebrate fauna
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The Süttő 21 site is a fissure fill of the freshwater limestone of the Gazda quarry in Süttő. The material was collected between 2017 and 2019, and the results are summarised in this article, with a special focus on the small vertebrate fauna of the site and its stratigraphic and paleoecological significance. The fissure fill can be placed around the Early/Middle Pleistocene boundary (ca. 1.1 and 0.77 Ma). The paleoecological analysis of the herpeto- and mammal fauna of the sequence indicates the proximity of a permanent water body. The lower part of the sequence is dominated by open habitat indicator taxa indicating a cool, dry climate. Towards the upper part of the sequence, the climate remained cool, but became wetter, and the vegetation gradually changed to forest-steppe/open forest. The fauna of the Süttő 21 site can be compared with the material of sites that are of a similar age, thus revealing taxonomic and paleoecological differences between different areas of the country. While a warm, dry climate and open vegetation can be reconstructed in the Villány Hills around the Early/Middle Pleistocene boundary, the Northern Hungarian areas had a cooler, wetter climate and a slightly more closed (sparse forest, forest-steppe) vegetation during this period.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Evolution of Mammals in Europe)
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Genetic Conservation and Use of Genetic Resources of 18 Mexican Pine Species
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, , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060735 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
Genetic conservation is key to maintaining forests for the future; however, these face several threats. Mexico is an example of the degradation of forest genetic resources during the past three decades due to its deforestation rates. This country is considered a center of
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Genetic conservation is key to maintaining forests for the future; however, these face several threats. Mexico is an example of the degradation of forest genetic resources during the past three decades due to its deforestation rates. This country is considered a center of pine diversity but its genetic conservation efforts are not enough. To define genetic conservation units (GCUs) and propose measures for the conservation and sustainable use of 18 Mexican pine species, we analyzed the distribution of the species at the national level and in germplasm transfer zones, and evaluated the species with a set of minimum requirements for conservation and indicators from the EUFORGEN program. We determined that 13 to 15 genetic zones harbored the target species, in which Pinus teocote, Pinus cembroides, Pinus devoniana, Pinus maximinoi, Pinus douglasiana, and Pinus leiophylla were the most widely distributed. We defined 173 areas for establishing GCUs for the total of the species studied; 50% of them were selected from areas with genetic information, 5% were selected from seed stands, and 45% from natural forests. We detected that most of the forest reproductive material used is collected from seed stands, and the use of seeds from breeding trials is scarce.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)
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Girdle Band Structure in the Diatom Genus Proschkinia (Bacillariophyta)—Another Potential Adaptation to Stabilise a Deep Cingulum?
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060734 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
The girdle structure of Proschkinia (Bacillariophyta) is described in detail, showing the form of the unusual, channelled bands and how they link together. The significance and potential function of the more complex band structure is discussed in relation to its occurrence in other
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The girdle structure of Proschkinia (Bacillariophyta) is described in detail, showing the form of the unusual, channelled bands and how they link together. The significance and potential function of the more complex band structure is discussed in relation to its occurrence in other diatom genera and to other potential stabilising elements. Although some similarities in girdle structure are seen with the diatom genus Undatella, there is currently no evidence of a close phylogenetic relationship between these genera. Based on the current molecular data, Proschkinia is most closely related to the genus Fistulifera, with which it shares a distinctive valve feature, a fistula. Because of the traditional focus on valve morphology, far less is known of the girdle structure within the diatoms, despite its importance for maintaining cell integrity and allowing cell growth. The importance of studying the girdle structure as well as the valve morphology in diatoms in relation to their phylogeny and ecology is stressed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Phylogenetic Diversity of Cyanobacteria and Algae)
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Colonization in Artificial Seaweed Substrates: Two Locations, One Year
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, , , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060733 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
Artificial substrates have been implemented to overcome the problems associated with quantitative sampling of marine epifaunal assemblages. These substrates provide artificial habitats that mimic natural habitat features, thereby standardizing the sampling effort and enabling direct comparisons among different sites and studies. This paper
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Artificial substrates have been implemented to overcome the problems associated with quantitative sampling of marine epifaunal assemblages. These substrates provide artificial habitats that mimic natural habitat features, thereby standardizing the sampling effort and enabling direct comparisons among different sites and studies. This paper explores the potential of the “Artificial Seaweed Monitoring System” (ASMS) sampling methodology to evaluate the natural variability of assemblages along a coastline of more than 200 km, by describing the succession of the ASMS’ associated macrofauna at two Rías of the Galician Coast (NW Iberian Peninsula) after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after deployment. The results show that macrofauna assemblages harbored by ASMS differ between locations for every type of data. The results also support the hypothesis that succession in benthic communities is not a linear process, but rather a mixture of different successional stages. The use of the ASMS is proved to be a successful standard monitoring methodology, as it is sensitive to scale-dependent patterns and captures the temporal variability of macrobenthic assemblages. Hence, the ASMS can serve as a replicable approach contributing to the “Good Environmental Status” assessment through non-destructive monitoring programs based on benthic marine macrofauna monitoring, capturing the variability in representative assemblages as long as sampling deployment periods are standard.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Biogeography of Marine Benthos)
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In Vitro Seed Germination and Seedling Development of Dracula felix (Luer) Luer—An Orchid Native to Ecuador
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060732 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
Effects of daily temperature fluctuations that mimic on-site environmental conditions were tested on seed germination and development in Dracula felix, a native epiphytic orchid from the neotropics. Mature seeds collected from a native population lost their viability from 60% to 37.78% and
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Effects of daily temperature fluctuations that mimic on-site environmental conditions were tested on seed germination and development in Dracula felix, a native epiphytic orchid from the neotropics. Mature seeds collected from a native population lost their viability from 60% to 37.78% and 0% after 8 and 16 weeks., respectively, under 22 ± 2 °C. Seed viability was completely lost when seeds were maintained at −10 °C in the dark. Less than 50% germination was observed in D. felix seed across all treatments. Seed germinated regardless of the light or temperature treatment. However, significant improvement in germination was observed at 17/22 °C compared to constant temperature treatments. Early seedling development stages were observed only on 1/2XMS and VW media at 17 °C or 17 °C/22 °C under a 12 h light photoperiod. Neither germination nor seedling development were improved by any fungal strain tested using standard symbiotic germination protocols. Information obtained from this study is critical to ensure the ex-situ conservation of this and other rare Dracula species under current and future climate change scenarios.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Orchid Conservation and Associated Fungal Diversity)
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Spatial Ecology of Reddish-Brown Cuxiú Monkeys (Chiropotes sagulatus, Pitheciidae) in an Isolated Forest Remnant: Movement Patterns and Edge Effects
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060731 - 01 Jun 2023
Abstract
Habitat loss, and subsequent fragmentation, can increase the amount of forest edge. Primate species vary in their responses to such changes in their habitat. We studied the movement ecology of a group of reddish-brown cuxiú monkeys (Chiropotes sagulatus, Pitheciidae) in a
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Habitat loss, and subsequent fragmentation, can increase the amount of forest edge. Primate species vary in their responses to such changes in their habitat. We studied the movement ecology of a group of reddish-brown cuxiú monkeys (Chiropotes sagulatus, Pitheciidae) in a small (13 ha), isolated forest remnant that was <3% of the species’ typical home range in the region. Every 5 min we recorded the group’s latitude and longitude, and the behavior of all individuals in sight. We calculated distance, speed, and trajectory of travel routes, and distance from every location to the nearest forest edge. Using Lidar data, we calculated canopy height. Cuxiús traveled in all cardinal directions, but they turned left more often than right, and they traveled at a faster speed to locations where the monkeys fed than where they did not eat. Although cuxiús used forest from the edge to the interior, they concentrated their movements and activities >30 m from the forest edge. Furthermore, their food sites were located less often near the forest edge, and canopy height of food trees near the forest edge was lower than canopy height of food trees at a greater distance from the edge. Although edge effects impacted the monkeys’ movement, trees >15 m at the forest edge can provide resources. Future research can examine ecological variables in more detail with the movement patterns.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Diversity, and Conservation of Primates)
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Evolution of Diversity in the Auditory Papillae of Reptiles
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060730 - 01 Jun 2023
Abstract
The independent origins of middle ears in testudinates, lepidosaurs, and archosaurs in the Triassic led to lineage-specific developments in their auditory epithelia. In comparison to the inferred ancestral state, little changed in testudinates, but archosaurs and most lepidosaurs evolved longer, differentiated auditory papillae.
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The independent origins of middle ears in testudinates, lepidosaurs, and archosaurs in the Triassic led to lineage-specific developments in their auditory epithelia. In comparison to the inferred ancestral state, little changed in testudinates, but archosaurs and most lepidosaurs evolved longer, differentiated auditory papillae. In archosaurs, sensory hair cells specialized across and along the papillae, resulting in mainly sensory tall hair cells and mainly mechanically active short hair cells. Crocodilians have 5 mm-long papillae, but relatively low upper frequency limits at around 4 kHz. Avian papillae are mostly 3 to 5 mm in length, being shorter in small species; in owls they exceptionally reach almost 12 mm and have an upper limit of above 10 kHz. Lepidosaurs retained the ancestral papilla as a low-frequency responsive area with one type of hair cell, but most added newly evolved areas (of max. 2 mm length) consisting of oppositely oriented hair cells responding to frequencies above 1 kHz. Initially, these areas flanked both ends of the ancestral area and were redundant in their responses to sound. The evolution of specific configurations in most families eliminated this redundancy, but the paths taken resulted in diverse anatomies that show high degrees of family specificity. Despite these differences, the high-frequency hearing limit of lepidosaurs rarely exceeds 5 kHz.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution of Morphology in Reptiles)
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Distribution Patterns of Large Jellyfish and Their Effects on the Zooplankton Community in the Northern Chinese Coastal Seas during the Summer of 2021
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060729 - 01 Jun 2023
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The northern Chinese coastal seas have been observed to constitute a large jellyfish blooming hotspots during the las decades. The spatial distribution of the abundance and biomass of large jellyfish was investigated in this area through a bottom trawl survey during the summer
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The northern Chinese coastal seas have been observed to constitute a large jellyfish blooming hotspots during the las decades. The spatial distribution of the abundance and biomass of large jellyfish was investigated in this area through a bottom trawl survey during the summer of 2021. Nemopilema nomurai, Cyanea spp., Aurelia coerulea, Aequorea spp., and Ulmaridae (undefined sp.) were identified during the investigation. The realized niches of the three most abundant species (N. nomurai, Cyanea spp., and A. coerulea) were measured through the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to explain their spatial distribution patterns. Nemopilema nomurai was used as a representative species to estimate the feeding rate and feeding pressure of large jellyfish on the zooplankton. During N. nomurai blooms, the potential consumption of zooplankton by N. nomurai was enormous and even exceeded the zooplankton productivity in regions where N. nomurai assembled in this study. Reductions in absolute and relative abundance were noted in small copepods at mid-bloom and bloom stations compared to non-bloom stations. The realized niches of large jellyfish and their relationships with the zooplankton in this study would be helpful for understanding their biogeographic distribution and ecological roles in the northern Chinese coastal seas under future climate change scenarios.
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Impact of Dams on Stream Fish Diversity: A Different Result
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060728 - 01 Jun 2023
Abstract
Impoundments can drastically change the physical and biological characteristics of fluvial systems. Changes in the physical characteristics, such as reductions in flow, increased sediment deposition, and increased surface area, often influence the system’s biological components, including plant, macroinvertebrate, and fish assemblages. In addition
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Impoundments can drastically change the physical and biological characteristics of fluvial systems. Changes in the physical characteristics, such as reductions in flow, increased sediment deposition, and increased surface area, often influence the system’s biological components, including plant, macroinvertebrate, and fish assemblages. In addition to having direct effects on impounded waterbodies, impoundments can also have wide-ranging effects at the watershed scale, particularly on upstream tributary streams. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of these effects. We analyzed historical data from 26 streams distributed across five sub-basins in the Bluff Hills region of the Yazoo Basin, MS, USA. All five major tributary rivers in this region are impounded by large (11,240–26,143 hectares) reservoirs for flood control. We compared fish assemblages in streams located upstream and downstream of the four reservoirs using PERMANOVA, and contrary to expectations, we found no significant differences between the upstream and downstream assemblages. We explore several possible explanations for this discrepancy and suggest that stream assemblage response to impoundment may be nuanced by the regional species pool, the history of stream conditions in the watershed, and the resistance of the streams to periodic disturbances.
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(This article belongs to the Section Freshwater Biodiversity)
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Open AccessArticle
Changes in Bird Community Structure on Mount Cameroon Driven by Elevational and Vertical Gradients
by
, , , , , , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060727 - 01 Jun 2023
Abstract
The distribution of birds in the tropical mountains is important not only for testing fundamental scientific hypotheses, but also for bird conservation. In order to obtain knowledge on bird community structure within the tropical highland ecosystem, we used ground-to-canopy mist nets to assess
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The distribution of birds in the tropical mountains is important not only for testing fundamental scientific hypotheses, but also for bird conservation. In order to obtain knowledge on bird community structure within the tropical highland ecosystem, we used ground-to-canopy mist nets to assess bird species distribution along a vertical ground-to-canopy gradient for two elevational bands on Mount Cameroon. The study area included lowland forest (Drink Garri, 650 m a.s.l.) and montane forest (Mann’s Spring, 2200 m a.s.l.). We mist netted a total of 2658 individuals, including recaptures, belonging to 118 species from 50 genera. NLAG (net location above the ground), vegetation cover and locality significantly affected the bird communities. The composition of avian communities strongly differed between the two elevational bands. Species diversity considerably decreased with NLAG in both localities and increased with increased vegetation cover at the low elevation site. Species dietary guilds were significantly influenced by the seasonality, elevation, NLAG and vegetation cover. For most of the feeding guilds included in the study (frugivores, omnivores, insectivores, granivores and nectarivores), we found a negative correlation between the abundances and vegetation cover. Meanwhile, percentages of abundance of frugivores, nectarivores and omnivores showed a positive correlation with NLAG. We discuss the substantial changes in feeding guild structure along a vertical gradient and between two elevational bands. In conclusion, Mount Cameroon’s forest vegetation structure differs between two elevational bands and along vertical gradients from ground to canopy, considerably affecting the bird community structure.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds in Temperate and Tropical Forests II)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Subterranean Fauna of the Lukina Jama–Trojama Cave System in Croatia: The Deepest Cave in the Dinaric Karst
by
, , , , , , , , , and
Diversity 2023, 15(6), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/d15060726 (registering DOI) - 31 May 2023
Abstract
The Dinaric Karst is a global hotspot for subterranean diversity, with two distinct peaks of species richness in the northwest and southeast, and an area of a lower species richness in the central part. In this article, we present a species list and
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The Dinaric Karst is a global hotspot for subterranean diversity, with two distinct peaks of species richness in the northwest and southeast, and an area of a lower species richness in the central part. In this article, we present a species list and describe the ecological conditions of the Lukina jama–Trojama cave system, located in the central part of the Dinaric Karst. This cave system is the deepest and one of the most logistically challenging cave systems sampled so far in the Dinaric Karst. Repeated sampling resulted in a list of 45 species, including 25 troglobionts, 3 troglophiles, 16 stygobionts, and 1 stygophile. Most of the recorded species are endemic to the Velebit Mountain, while three species are endemic to the Lukina jama–Trojama cave system. Within the system, species richness peaks in the deepest third of the cave, most likely reflecting the harsh ecological conditions in the upper parts, including ice, cold winds, and occasional waterfalls. Milder and more stable deeper parts of the cave contain a rich subterranean species community, part of which is associated with two very distinct aquatic habitats, the cave hygropetric and the phreatic zone. The newly recognized hotspot of subterranean biodiversity in the central Dinaric Karst, which has emerged between the two known centers of biodiversity, further highlights the species richness in large cave systems, but also challenges the diversity patterns in the Dinaric Karst overall.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hotspots of Subterranean Biodiversity II)
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