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), AGRICOLA, GEOBASE, CAPlus / SciFinder, and many other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Biodiversity Conservation) / CiteScore - Q2 (Agricultural and Biological Sciences)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 14.1 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
- 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:
2.465 (2020)
Latest Articles
Genetic Diversity of Hatchery-Bred Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) Compared with the Wild Population: Potential Effects of Stocking on the Indigenous Gene Pool of a Norwegian Reservoir
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090414 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
This study was conducted in Lake Savalen in southeastern Norway, focusing on genetic diversity and the structure of hatchery-reared brown trout (Salmo trutta) as compared with wild fish in the lake and in two tributaries. The genetic analysis, based on eight
[...] Read more.
This study was conducted in Lake Savalen in southeastern Norway, focusing on genetic diversity and the structure of hatchery-reared brown trout (Salmo trutta) as compared with wild fish in the lake and in two tributaries. The genetic analysis, based on eight simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, showed that hatchery bred single cohorts and an age structured sample of stocked and recaptured fish were genetically distinctly different from each other and from the wild fish groups. The sample of recaptured fish showed the lowest estimated effective population size Ne = 8.4, and the highest proportion of siblings, despite its origin from five different cohorts of hatchery fish, counting in total 84 parent fish. Single hatchery cohorts, originating from 13–24 parental fish, showed Ne = 10.5–19.9, suggesting that the recaptured fish descended from a narrow group of parents. BayeScan analysis indicated balancing selection at several loci. Genetic indices of wild brown trout collected in the lake in 1991 and 2010 suggested temporal genetic stability, i.e., the genetic differentiation (FST) was non-significant, although the Ne, the number of alleles per locus and the number of private alleles were lower in the 2010 sample.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Streptomyces Application Triggers Reassembly and Optimization of the Rhizosphere Microbiome of Cucumber
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090413 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Streptomyces partum Act12 and Streptomyces roche D74 are biocontrol strains that can promote plant growth and enhance stress resistance in different crops. However, their effects on the rhizosphere microbiome and the role of the reassembled microbiome in plant growth promotion and stress
[...] Read more.
Streptomyces partum Act12 and Streptomyces roche D74 are biocontrol strains that can promote plant growth and enhance stress resistance in different crops. However, their effects on the rhizosphere microbiome and the role of the reassembled microbiome in plant growth promotion and stress resistance enhancement remain unclear. This study investigated the variation in the rhizosphere microbiome induced by Streptomyces application through a cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. “Youliang”) pot experiment. The bacterial and fungal communities of rhizosphere soils inoculated with and without Streptomyces were, respectively, compared based on 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene sequences. Following Streptomyces application, the bacterial alpha diversity increased significantly, while the fungal alpha diversity exhibited the opposite trend. The bacterial and fungal communities’ compositions clearly shifted in the inoculated soil. Compared with the uninoculated control, the relative abundance of the genus Streptomyces increased by 68.3%, and the bacterial co-occurrence network in the rhizosphere soil was enriched significantly. The relative abundance of bacteria associated with nitrogen fixation was increased by 7.5% following Streptomyces application. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the application of Streptomyces Act12 and D74 can be used to reassemble and optimize the rhizosphere microbiome of cucumber, which is conducive to plant survival.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity, Interaction and Bioprospecting of Plant-Associated Microbiomes)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessFeature PaperReview
The Number and Distribution of Introduced and Naturalized Parrots
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090412 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Parrots have been transported and traded by humans for at least the last 2000 years and this trade continues unabated today. This transport of species has involved the majority of recognized parrot species (300+ of 382 species). Inevitably, some alien species either escape
[...] Read more.
Parrots have been transported and traded by humans for at least the last 2000 years and this trade continues unabated today. This transport of species has involved the majority of recognized parrot species (300+ of 382 species). Inevitably, some alien species either escape captivity or are released and may establish breeding populations in the novel area. With respect to parrots, established but alien populations are becoming common in many parts of the world. In this review, we attempt to estimate the total number of parrot species introduced into the wild in non-native areas and assess how many of these have self-sustaining breeding populations. Based the public databases GAVIA, eBird, and iNaturalist, 166 species of Psittaciformes have been introduced (seen in the wild) into 120 countries or territories outside of the native range. Of these, 60 species are naturalized, and an additional 11 species are breeding in at least one country outside of their native range (86 countries or territories total). The Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) and Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) are the most widely distributed and successful of the introduced parrots, being naturalized in 47 and 26 countries or territories, respectively. Far and away, the United States and its territories support the greatest number of naturalized parrots, with 28 different species found in either the continental US, or Hawaii or Puerto Rico. Naturalized species as well as urbanized native species of parrots are likely to continue increasing in numbers and geographical range, and detailed studies are needed to both confirm species richness in each area as well mitigate potential ecological impacts and conflicts with humans.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Parrots in Their Native and Non-Native Ranges)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessCommunication
Transition from Fire-Dependent Open Forests: Alternative Ecosystem States in the Southeastern United States
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090411 - 29 Aug 2021
Abstract
Land use and fire exclusion have influenced ecosystems worldwide, resulting in alternative ecosystem states. Here, I provide two examples from the southeastern United States of fire-dependent open pine and pine-oak forest loss and examine dynamics of the replacement forests, given continued long-term declines
[...] Read more.
Land use and fire exclusion have influenced ecosystems worldwide, resulting in alternative ecosystem states. Here, I provide two examples from the southeastern United States of fire-dependent open pine and pine-oak forest loss and examine dynamics of the replacement forests, given continued long-term declines in foundation longleaf (Pinus palustris) and shortleaf (Pinus echinata) pines and recent increases in commercial loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash (Pinus elliottii var. elliottii) pines. Shortleaf pine-oak forest historically may have been dominant on about 32 to 38 million ha, a provisional estimate based on historical composition of 75% of all trees, and has decreased to about 2.5 million ha currently; shortleaf pine now is 3% of all trees in the northern province. Longleaf pine forest decreased from about 30 million ha, totaling 75% of all trees, to 1.3 million ha and 3% of all trees in contemporary forests of the southern province. The initial transition from open pine ecosystems to closed forests, primarily comprised of broadleaf species, was countered by conversion to loblolly and slash pine plantations. Loblolly pine now accounts for 37% of all trees. Loss of fire-dependent ecosystems and their foundation tree species affect associated biodiversity, or the species that succeed under fire disturbance.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fire-Dependent Ecosystems)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessBrief Report
Hitchhiking Exotic Clam: Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas, 1771) Transported via the Ornamental Plant Trade
by
and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090410 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
Ornamental aquaculture is one of the main sources of non-native species worldwide. Unintentionally transported “hitchhiking” organisms have been previously recorded; although most of these species are transported from tropical regions, here we report on the first accidental transport of the zebra mussel (
[...] Read more.
Ornamental aquaculture is one of the main sources of non-native species worldwide. Unintentionally transported “hitchhiking” organisms have been previously recorded; although most of these species are transported from tropical regions, here we report on the first accidental transport of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) in a shipment of ornamental Aegagropila linnaei (Chlorophyta) from Russia to the Czech Republic. This invasive mussel is listed on the national blacklist of alien species in the Czech Republic and can be easily released in outdoor garden ponds together with A. linnaei. Since the Czech Republic is known to be a gateway for aquatic ornamental species from a European perspective, re-export to other European countries is also possible. Thus, the spread of D. polymorpha via this pathway cannot be excluded. This finding should be of importance to conservationists, traders, decision-makers and other stakeholders.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2021 Feature Papers by Diversity’s Editorial Board Members)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessBrief Report
Experimental Warming Effects on Prokaryotic Growth and Viral Production in Coastal Waters of the Northwest Pacific during the Cold Season
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090409 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
Climate warming can directly affect biological processes in marine environments. Here, we investigated if warming (+2 °C) can change dynamics in viral and prokaryotic populations in the cold seasons in natural seawaters. We monitored the changes in viral production and prokaryotic growth rate.
[...] Read more.
Climate warming can directly affect biological processes in marine environments. Here, we investigated if warming (+2 °C) can change dynamics in viral and prokaryotic populations in the cold seasons in natural seawaters. We monitored the changes in viral production and prokaryotic growth rate. The prokaryotic average gross growth rates were 0.08 and 0.34 h−1 in November and 0.06 and 0.41 h−1 in December in the in situ and warming experiments, respectively. We found that warming water temperature resulted in a significant increase in prokaryotic growth rates. In warming experiments, the overall viral production rate was about 0.77–14.4 × 105 viruses mL−1 h−1, and a rough estimate of prokaryotic mortality was about 5.6–6.8 × 104 cells mL−1 h−1. Based on our estimation, burst sizes of about 21 and 14 viruses prokaryotes−1 were measured under the experimental warming period. Moreover, the results found that an increased water temperature in the subtropical western Pacific coastal waters increases prokaryotic growth rates, enhances viral production, and changes the carbon fluxes in the trophic interactions of microbes.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Ecology of Aquatic Habitats)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Soil Microbial Community Based on PLFA Profiles in an Age Sequence of Pomegranate Plantation in the Middle Yellow River Floodplain
by
, , , , , , , , and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090408 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the most important fruit trees in semi-arid land. Previous studies were primarily focused on soil microbial community composition under different pomegranate plantation managements. However, soil microbial community composition under long-term pomegranate plantation has rarely been
[...] Read more.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the most important fruit trees in semi-arid land. Previous studies were primarily focused on soil microbial community composition under different pomegranate plantation managements. However, soil microbial community composition under long-term pomegranate plantation has rarely been studied. We investigated pomegranate plantation along with an age sequence (i.e., 1, 3, 5, and 10 years after pomegranate plantation; abbreviated by P1, P3, P5, P10, respectively) in the Middle Yellow River floodplain. Our objectives were to address (1) variations of soil physicochemical properties and (2) changes in soil microbial community composition and the influential factors. The results demonstrated that the soil water content of pomegranate plantation decreased with the increase of pomegranate plantation stand age. Specifically, dissolved organic carbon, ammonium, and available phosphorus increased significantly with stand age both at 0–10- and 10–20-cm soil depths. The P10 had the highest microbial phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles, including fungi, bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The ratio of fungal PLFAs to bacterial PLFAs increased and the ratio of Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacterial PLFAs decreased along the pomegranate plantation stand age. Dissolved organic carbon was the most important influential factor among the studied variables, which explained 42.2% variation of soil microbial community. In summary, the long-term plantation of pomegranate elevated soil microbial biomass and altered microbial community composition.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global Change Impacts on the Forest Soil Microbial Community)
Open AccessArticle
Calcium Transport along the Axial Canal in Acropora
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090407 - 27 Aug 2021
Abstract
In Acropora, the complex canals in a coral colony connect all polyps to a holistic network, enabling them to collaborate in performing biological processes. There are various types of canals, including calice, axial canals, and other internal canals, with structures that are
[...] Read more.
In Acropora, the complex canals in a coral colony connect all polyps to a holistic network, enabling them to collaborate in performing biological processes. There are various types of canals, including calice, axial canals, and other internal canals, with structures that are dynamically altered during different coral growth states due to internal calcium transport. In this study, we investigated the morphological changes in the corallite of six Acropora muricata samples by high resolution micro-computed tomography, observing the patterns of calcium carbonate deposition within axial corallite during processes of new branch formation and truncated tip repair. We visualized the formation of a new branch from a calice and the calcium carbonate deposition in the axial canal. Furthermore, the diameter and volume changes of the axial canal in truncated branches during rebuilding processes were calculated, revealing that the volume ratio of calcareous deposits in the axial canal exhibit significant increases within the first three weeks, returning to levels in the initial state in the following week. This work demonstrates that calcium carbonate can be stored temporarily and then remobilized as needed for rapid growth. The results of this study shed light on the control of calcium carbonate deposition and growth of the axial corallite in Acropora.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coral Reef Ecology and Biodiversity)
►▼
Show Figures

Graphical abstract
Open AccessEditorial
Community Ecology, Macro-Ecological Patterns, and Conservation of Tropical Beetles: An Introduction
by
and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090406 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
Tropical regions host a large variety of animal species, representing the richest concentrations of biological diversity across the Earth [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Community Ecology, Macroecological Patterns and Conservation of Tropical Beetles)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence and Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses of the Cultivated Cyperus esculentus
by
, , , , , , , , , , and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090405 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
Cyperus esculentus produces large amounts of oil as one of the main oil storage reserves in underground tubers, making this crop species not only a promising resource for edible oil and biofuel in food and chemical industry, but also a model system for
[...] Read more.
Cyperus esculentus produces large amounts of oil as one of the main oil storage reserves in underground tubers, making this crop species not only a promising resource for edible oil and biofuel in food and chemical industry, but also a model system for studying oil accumulation in non-seed tissues. In this study, we determined the chloroplast genome sequence of the cultivated C. esculentus (var. sativus Boeckeler). The results showed that the complete chloroplast genome of C. esculentus was 186,255 bp in size, and possessed a typical quadripartite structure containing one large single copy (100,940 bp) region, one small single copy (10,439 bp) region, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 37,438 bp in size. Sequence analyses indicated that the chloroplast genome encodes 141 genes, including 93 protein-coding genes, 40 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. We also identified 396 simple-sequence repeats and 49 long repeats, including 15 forward repeats and 34 palindromes within the chloroplast genome of C. esculentus. Most of these repeats were distributed in the noncoding regions. Whole chloroplast genome comparison with those of the other four Cyperus species indicated that both the large single copy and inverted repeat regions were more divergent than the small single copy region, with the highest variation found in the inverted repeat regions. In the phylogenetic trees based on the complete chloroplast genomes of 13 species, all five Cyperus species within the Cyperaceae formed a clade, and C. esculentus was evolutionarily more related to C. rotundus than to the other three Cyperus species. In summary, the chloroplast genome sequence of the cultivated C. esculentus provides a valuable genomic resource for species identification, evolution, and comparative genomic research on this crop species and other Cyperus species in the Cyperaceae family.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Cultivability of Bacteria and Fungi from Arable Crop Residues Using Metabarcoding Data as a Reference
by
, , , , , , , and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 404; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090404 (registering DOI) - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
This study combined culture-dependent (strain isolation plus molecular identification) and culture-independent (metabarcoding) approaches to characterize the diversity of microbiota on wheat and oilseed rape residues. The goal was to develop a methodology to culture microorganisms with the aim of being able to establish
[...] Read more.
This study combined culture-dependent (strain isolation plus molecular identification) and culture-independent (metabarcoding) approaches to characterize the diversity of microbiota on wheat and oilseed rape residues. The goal was to develop a methodology to culture microorganisms with the aim of being able to establish synthetic crop residue microbial communities for further study, i.e., testing potential interactions within these communities and characterizing groups of beneficial taxa that could be used as biological control agents against plant pathogens. We generated community-based culture collections. We adapted the isolation strategy to the potential differences in the spatial and temporal distribution of diversity between bacteria and fungi. We performed (i) a high-throughput isolation from few samples with no a priori for bacteria and (ii) a low-throughput isolation from several samples with a priori—i.e., morphotype selection—for fungi. Although isolation using a single medium did not allow us to characterize the microbiome as precisely as metabarcoding, the bacterial diversity (158 ASVs, 36 genera) was relatively higher than the fungal diversity (131 ASVs, 17 genera) known to be limited by competition for growth on non-selective solid media. Isolation and metabarcoding provided consistent and complementary information: they revealed several common but also specific ASVs, leading to close microbial community profiles of the most abundant fungal and bacterial taxa in residues. Finally, by empirically comparing the different profiles, we assessed the cultivability of the most abundant fungal and bacterial taxa obtained in metabarcoding.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology of Crop-Associated Communities of Bacteria and Fungi)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Comparative Chloroplast Genomics in Phyllanthaceae Species
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090403 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
►▼
Show Figures
Family Phyllanthaceae belongs to the eudicot order Malpighiales, and its species are herbs, shrubs, and trees that are mostly distributed in tropical regions. Here, we elucidate the molecular evolution of the chloroplast genome in Phyllanthaceae and identify the polymorphic loci for phylogenetic inference.
[...] Read more.
Family Phyllanthaceae belongs to the eudicot order Malpighiales, and its species are herbs, shrubs, and trees that are mostly distributed in tropical regions. Here, we elucidate the molecular evolution of the chloroplast genome in Phyllanthaceae and identify the polymorphic loci for phylogenetic inference. We de novo assembled the chloroplast genomes of three Phyllanthaceae species, i.e., Phyllanthus emblica, Flueggea virosa, and Leptopus cordifolius, and compared them with six other previously reported genomes. All species comprised two inverted repeat regions (size range 23,921–27,128 bp) that separated large single-copy (83,627–89,932 bp) and small single-copy (17,424–19,441 bp) regions. Chloroplast genomes contained 111–112 unique genes, including 77–78 protein-coding, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. The deletion/pseudogenization of rps16 genes was found in only two species. High variability was seen in the number of oligonucleotide repeats, while guanine-cytosine contents, codon usage, amino acid frequency, simple sequence repeats, synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions, and transition and transversion substitutions were similar. The transition substitutions were higher in coding sequences than in non-coding sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the polyphyletic nature of the genus Phyllanthus. The polymorphic protein-coding genes, including rpl22, ycf1, matK, ndhF, and rps15, were also determined, which may be helpful for reconstructing the high-resolution phylogenetic tree of the family Phyllanthaceae. Overall, the study provides insight into the chloroplast genome evolution in Phyllanthaceae.
Full article

Figure 1
Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Collection of VKM Paleofungi
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090402 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
A unique collection of paleofungi from permafrost sediments, cryopegs, paleoseeds, and frozen volcanic ash from the Arctic and Antarctic, collected at different depths, was created in All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms (VKM). Some samples are as old as 3 million years. The collection includes
[...] Read more.
A unique collection of paleofungi from permafrost sediments, cryopegs, paleoseeds, and frozen volcanic ash from the Arctic and Antarctic, collected at different depths, was created in All-Russian Collection of Microorganisms (VKM). Some samples are as old as 3 million years. The collection includes psychrotolerant fungi, which have wide adaptive potential and are able to thrive in low-temperature habitats, and fungi that remain viable due to the presence of natural cryoprotectors that ensure the survival of fungal cells during low-temperature preservation in permafrost sediments. The collection contains 780 strains from 79 genera and more than 160 species and is maintained in accordance with international standards of microbial viability preservation and information support.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Culture Collections as Hidden Sources of Microbial Biomolecules and Biodiversity)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Flora and Vegetation Characteristics of the Natural Habitat of the Endangered Plant Pterygopleurum neurophyllum
by
, , , , , , , and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090401 - 25 Aug 2021
Abstract
This study analyzed the flora, life form, and vegetation of the Nakdong River wetland. Vegetation analysis was performed on 37 plots using the phytosociological method of the Zürich-Montpellier School. PCA analysis was conducted by using the vegetation data (ground cover of class; 1~9)
[...] Read more.
This study analyzed the flora, life form, and vegetation of the Nakdong River wetland. Vegetation analysis was performed on 37 plots using the phytosociological method of the Zürich-Montpellier School. PCA analysis was conducted by using the vegetation data (ground cover of class; 1~9) of 37 plots surveyed by phytosociological method. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) was used to statistically analyze the objectivity of the community classification and the character species. The traditional classification and mathematical statistic methods were used. A total of 82 taxa belonging to 28 families, 65 genera, 72 species, 2 subspecies, and 8 varieties were present in the vegetation of the survey area. The life form was analyzed to be the Th-R5-D4-e type. The communities were classified into seven communities: Miscanthus sacchariflorus community, Phragmites communis community, Phragmites communis–Carex dispalata community, Ulmus parvifolia community, Zizania latifolia community, Setaria viridis community, and Salix koriyanagi–Salix chaenomeloides community. As a result of PCA analysis, it was classified into seven communities. Seven communities were analyzed, where the most dominant species (M. sacchariflorus, P. communis, C. dispalata, U. parvifolia, Z. latifolia, S. viridis, S. koriyanagi, S. chaenomeloides) of each community were examined as character species. Another species is analyzed as Salix koreensis. Of the sixteen M. sacchariflorus communities, Pterygopleurum neurophyllum was present in six plots (A-2 group) but not in ten plots (A-1 group). These two groups showed differences in coverage and the number of occurring species. As for the relative net contribution degree (r-NCD) in the A-2 group, most species showed low r-NCD except for M. sacchariflorus, which showed an r-NCD of 100. The r-NCDs in the A-1 group were as follows: Miscanthus sacchariflorus (100), P. neurophyllum (21.74), and Persicaria perfoliata (10.14). Therefore, P. neurophyllum is difficult to grow in the A-1 group. As a result, it is thought that the high density of M. sacchariflorus affects the growth and distribution of P. neurophyllum. In order to expand and maintain P. neurophyllum, the habitat environment needs to be altered by adjusting the density of M. sacchariflorus.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Approaches to the Diversity of Plant Communities: Molecules, Evolution, Function, Ecoinformatics)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Floristic Groups, and Changes in Diversity and Structure of Trees, in Tropical Montane Forests in the Southern Andes of Ecuador
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090400 - 24 Aug 2021
Abstract
Composition, diversity, and structure of trees in tropical montane forests are responsive to ecological gradients and local succession. Those parameters are a result of ecological interactions between vegetation, environment, and location. This study identified floristic groups on mainly secondary forests and evaluated how
[...] Read more.
Composition, diversity, and structure of trees in tropical montane forests are responsive to ecological gradients and local succession. Those parameters are a result of ecological interactions between vegetation, environment, and location. This study identified floristic groups on mainly secondary forests and evaluated how the composition, diversity, and structure of trees correlate with climate, soil, and age since abandonment. We included in our models a measurement of spatial correlation, to explore the role of dispersion. For this purpose, we measured diameter and height of all trees with DBH ≥ 10 cm, in twenty-eight 500 m2 plots, in an elevation range between 2900 and 3500 m. We found 14 indicator species in three floristic groups. Group composition was explained by age since abandonment, which showed strong succession effects. Mean monthly precipitation and Manganese, but not spatial correlation, explained plant composition in these montane forests, suggesting a minor role of dispersion. Species richness and structure of the arboreal vegetation were influenced by interactions between age, precipitation, and soil nutrients concentration. We concluded that in fragmented landscapes, within the rugged region of southern Ecuador, it is possible to find different floristic groups that encompass high variation in their composition.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity of Secondary Forests and Their Importance in Nature Conservation)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Bioacoustics Reveal Hidden Diversity in Frogs: Two New Species of the Genus Limnonectes from Myanmar (Amphibia, Anura, Dicroglossidae)
by
, , , , , and
Diversity 2021, 13(9), 399; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13090399 - 24 Aug 2021
Abstract
Striking geographic variation in male advertisement calls was observed in frogs formerly referred to as Limnonectes doriae and L. limborgi, respectively. Subsequent analyses of mtDNA and external morphological data brought supporting evidence for the recognition of these populations as distinct species. We
[...] Read more.
Striking geographic variation in male advertisement calls was observed in frogs formerly referred to as Limnonectes doriae and L. limborgi, respectively. Subsequent analyses of mtDNA and external morphological data brought supporting evidence for the recognition of these populations as distinct species. We describe two new frog species of the genus Limnonectes (i.e., L. bagoensis sp. nov. and L. bagoyoma sp. nov.) from Myanmar. Limnonectes bagoensis sp. nov. is closely related to L. doriae whereas L. bagoyoma sp. nov. is closely related to L. limborgi. Results of this integrative study provide evidence for the presence of additional undescribed species in these species complexes but due to the lack of bioacoustical data, we consider these additional diverging populations as candidate species that need further study to resolve their respective taxonomic status. Both new species are distributed in Lower Myanmar. Limnonectes doriae is restricted to southern Myanmar along the Malayan Peninsula whereas L. limborgi is known to occur in eastern Myanmar and northwestern Thailand. The remaining populations formerly referred to as either L. doriae or L. limborgi are considered representatives of various candidate species that await further study. We further provide a de novo draft genome of the respective holotypes of L. bagoensis sp. nov. and L. bagoyoma sp. nov. based on short-read sequencing technology to 25-fold coverage.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Animal Diversity)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Retinoic Acid Signaling in Vertebrate Hindbrain Segmentation: Evolution and Diversification
Diversity 2021, 13(8), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13080398 - 23 Aug 2021
Abstract
In metazoans, Hox genes are key drivers of morphogenesis. In chordates, they play important roles in patterning the antero-posterior (A-P) axis. A crucial aspect of their role in axial patterning is their collinear expression, a process thought to be linked to their response
[...] Read more.
In metazoans, Hox genes are key drivers of morphogenesis. In chordates, they play important roles in patterning the antero-posterior (A-P) axis. A crucial aspect of their role in axial patterning is their collinear expression, a process thought to be linked to their response to major signaling pathways such as retinoic acid (RA) signaling. The amplification of Hox genes following major events of genome evolution can contribute to morphological diversity. In vertebrates, RA acts as a key regulator of the gene regulatory network (GRN) underlying hindbrain segmentation, which includes Hox genes. This review investigates how the RA signaling machinery has evolved and diversified and discusses its connection to the hindbrain GRN in relation to diversity. Using non-chordate and chordate deuterostome models, we explore aspects of ancient programs of axial patterning in an attempt to retrace the evolution of the vertebrate hindbrain GRN. In addition, we investigate how the RA signaling machinery has evolved in vertebrates and highlight key examples of regulatory diversification that may have influenced the GRN for hindbrain segmentation. Finally, we describe the value of using lamprey as a model for the early-diverged jawless vertebrate group, to investigate the elaboration of A-P patterning mechanisms in the vertebrate lineage.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Development, and Diversification of Vertebrates)
►▼
Show Figures

Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Spatial Genetic Structure of Prunus mongolica in Arid Northwestern China Based on RAD Sequencing Data
Diversity 2021, 13(8), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13080397 - 23 Aug 2021
Abstract
The extensive range of sand deserts, gravel deserts, and recent human activities have shaped habitat fragmentation of relict and endangered plants in arid northwestern China. Prunus mongolica is a relict and endangered shrub that is mainly distributed in the study area. In the
[...] Read more.
The extensive range of sand deserts, gravel deserts, and recent human activities have shaped habitat fragmentation of relict and endangered plants in arid northwestern China. Prunus mongolica is a relict and endangered shrub that is mainly distributed in the study area. In the present study, population genomics was integrated with a species distribution model (SDM) to investigate the spatial genetic diversity and structure of P. mongolica populations in response to habitat fragmentation and create a proposal for the conservation of this endangered species. The results showed that the northern marginal populations were the first isolated from other populations. The SDM suggested that these marginal populations had low levels of habitat suitability during the glacial period. They could not obtain migration corridors, and thus possessed low levels of gene flow connection with other populations. Additionally, several populations underwent secondarily geographical isolation from other central populations, which preserved particular genetic lineages. Genetic diversity was higher in southern populations than in northern ones. It was concluded that long-term geographical isolation after historical habitat fragmentation promoted the divergence of marginal populations and refugial populations along mountains from other populations. The southern populations could have persisted in their distribution ranges and harbored higher levels of genetic diversity than the northern populations, whose distribution ranges fluctuated in response to paleoclimatic changes. We propose that the marginal populations of P. mongolica should be well considered in conservation management.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation Genetics and Biogeography of Seed Plant Species)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessReview
Review of Harmful Algal Blooms in the Coastal Mediterranean Sea, with a Focus on Greek Waters
Diversity 2021, 13(8), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13080396 - 22 Aug 2021
Abstract
Anthropogenic marine eutrophication has been recognized as one of the major threats to aquatic ecosystem health. In recent years, eutrophication phenomena, prompted by global warming and population increase, have stimulated the proliferation of potentially harmful algal taxa resulting in the prevalence of frequent
[...] Read more.
Anthropogenic marine eutrophication has been recognized as one of the major threats to aquatic ecosystem health. In recent years, eutrophication phenomena, prompted by global warming and population increase, have stimulated the proliferation of potentially harmful algal taxa resulting in the prevalence of frequent and intense harmful algal blooms (HABs) in coastal areas. Numerous coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea (MS) are under environmental pressures arising from human activities that are driving ecosystem degradation and resulting in the increase of the supply of nutrient inputs. In this review, we aim to present the recent situation regarding the appearance of HABs in Mediterranean coastal areas linked to anthropogenic eutrophication, to highlight the features and particularities of the MS, and to summarize the harmful phytoplankton outbreaks along the length of coastal areas of many localities. Furthermore, we focus on HABs documented in Greek coastal areas according to the causative algal species, the period of occurrence, and the induced damage in human and ecosystem health. The occurrence of eutrophication-induced HAB incidents during the past two decades is emphasized.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity of Marine Microbes II)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Open AccessArticle
Using Paleoecological Data to Inform the Conservation Strategy for Floristic Diversity and Isoetes taiwanensis in Northern Taiwan
Diversity 2021, 13(8), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/d13080395 - 22 Aug 2021
Abstract
Paleoecological data can be used to inform nature conservation practice. Dream Lake (DL) is the best-preserved peat bog in the Tatun Volcanic Group of northern Taiwan. We analyzed continuous pollen and charcoal data from a well-dated sediment core from DL to reconstruct the
[...] Read more.
Paleoecological data can be used to inform nature conservation practice. Dream Lake (DL) is the best-preserved peat bog in the Tatun Volcanic Group of northern Taiwan. We analyzed continuous pollen and charcoal data from a well-dated sediment core from DL to reconstruct the changes in climate, lacustrine condition, and floristic diversity during the last 4500 cal BP. An absence of volcanic ash from all sediments indicates weak volcanic activity. Significant changes in lithology and pollen composition show that DL changed from a deep lake to a shallow peat bog from 3000 cal BP onwards. The palynological diversity index was negatively correlated with fire frequency. A substantial decline in Isoetes (quillwort) spores suggests increased vulnerability during the peat bog period. Natural terrestrialization will lower the mean water depth of DL below the minimum required for Isoetes taiwanensis survival within 300 years. Our findings indicate that winter precipitation driven by intense East Asian winter monsoons is the critical force determining the long-term variation in floristic diversity and abundance of I. taiwanensis. This long-term ecological history of DL, derived using paleoecological techniques, will be used to inform conservation practice in the Tatun Volcanic Group.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation across Space and Time—Using the Past to Conserve for the Present and Future)
►▼
Show Figures

Figure 1
Highly Accessed Articles
Latest Books
E-Mail Alert
News
Topics
Topic in
Diversity, Sustainability, Urban Science
Landscape Planning, Sustainability and Diversity in Human–Nature Interactions
Editor-in-Chief: Raúl Romero-CalcerradaDeadline: 5 November 2021
Conferences
Special Issues
Special Issue in
Diversity
Microbes of Indoor Environment (Human-Made Environment)
Guest Editors: Fumito Maruyama, Jun Noda, Milko A. Jorquera, Makiko NakajimaDeadline: 31 August 2021
Special Issue in
Diversity
Biodiversity and Conservation of Tree Frogs
Guest Editor: Steve A. JohnsonDeadline: 15 September 2021
Special Issue in
Diversity
Biodiversity of Secondary Forests and Their Importance in Nature Conservation
Guest Editors: Krzysztof Świerkosz, Kamila ReczyńskaDeadline: 30 September 2021
Special Issue in
Diversity
Microbial Ecology of Aquatic Habitats
Guest Editor: Hera KarayanniDeadline: 20 October 2021
Topical Collections
Topical Collection in
Diversity
Proceedings of Experts on Aquatic Life (PEAL)
Collection Editors: Wonchoel Lee, Bum Soo Park
Topical Collection in
Diversity
Evolution and Extinctions on Islands
Collection Editors: Eric Buffetaut, Simone Fattorini, Maria Panitsa



