Diversity

16 pages, 1022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Diversity and Ecological Indices of Naturally Established Native Vegetation in Permanent Grassy Strips of Fruit Orchards in Southern Romania

by Sina Cosmulescu, Florin Daniel Stamin, Daniel Răduțoiu and Nicolae Constantin Gheorghiu

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070494 - 18 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper assesses the complexity and diversity of vegetation in grassy strips with spontaneous plants between tree rows in three fruit orchards (plum, cherry, apple) in Dolj County, Romania, using structural and biodiversity indices. It addresses the lack of data on spontaneous vegetation [...] Read more.

This paper assesses the complexity and diversity of vegetation in grassy strips with spontaneous plants between tree rows in three fruit orchards (plum, cherry, apple) in Dolj County, Romania, using structural and biodiversity indices. It addresses the lack of data on spontaneous vegetation in Romanian orchards, supporting improved plantation management and native biodiversity conservation. The study found that grassy strips supported high wild herbaceous diversity and a complex, heterogeneous ecological structure, with the apple orchard showing the highest biodiversity. Species diversity, evaluated through species richness, evenness, and diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Menhinick, Gleason, etc.), showed species richness ranging from 30 species in the cherry orchard to 40 in the apple orchard. Several species, including Capsella bursa-pastoris, Geranium pusillum, Poa pratensis, Veronica hederifolia, Lolium perenne, and Convolvulus arvensis, were present in 100% of samples, making them constant species from a phytosociological perspective. Their presence indicates relatively stable plant communities in each orchard. From a phytocoenological view, an ecological plant community is defined not only by species composition but also by constancy and co-occurrence in sampling units. Dominance remained low in all orchards, indicating no single plant dominated, while evenness showed a uniform distribution of species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

18 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allometric Equations for Aboveground Biomass Estimation in Natural Forest Trees: Generalized or Species-Specific?

by Yuxin Shang, Yutong Xia, Xiaodie Ran, Xiao Zheng, Hui Ding and Yanming Fang

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070493 - 18 Jul 2025

Abstract

Accurate estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) in tree–shrub communities is critical for quantifying forest ecosystem productivity and carbon sequestration potential. Although generalized allometric equations offer expediency in natural forest AGB estimation, their neglect of interspecific variability introduces methodological pitfalls. Precise AGB prediction necessitates [...] Read more.

Accurate estimation of aboveground biomass (AGB) in tree–shrub communities is critical for quantifying forest ecosystem productivity and carbon sequestration potential. Although generalized allometric equations offer expediency in natural forest AGB estimation, their neglect of interspecific variability introduces methodological pitfalls. Precise AGB prediction necessitates resolving two biological constraints: phylogenetic conservation of allometric coefficients and ontogenetic regulation of scaling relationships. This study establishes an integrated framework combining the following: (1) phylogenetic signal detection (Blomberg’s K/Pagel’s λ) across 157 species’ allometric equations, revealing weak but significant evolutionary constraints (λ = 0.1249, p = 0.0027; K ≈ 0, p = 0.621); (2) hierarchical error decomposition of 9105 stems in a Mt. Wuyishan forest dynamics plot (15 species), identifying family-level error stratification (e.g., Theaceae vs. Myrtaceae, Δerror > 25%); (3) ontogenetic trajectory analysis of Castanopsis eyrei between Mt. Wuyishan and Mt. Huangshan, demonstrating significant biomass deviations in small trees (5–15 cm DBH, p < 0.05). Key findings resolve the following hypotheses: (1) absence of strong phylogenetic signals validates generalized models for phylogenetically diverse communities; (2) ontogenetic regulation dominates error magnitude, particularly in early developmental stages; (3) differential modeling is recommended: species-specific equations for pure forests/seedlings vs. generalized equations for mixed mature forests. This work establishes an error hierarchy: ontogeny > taxonomy > phylogeny, providing a mechanistic basis for optimizing forest carbon stock assessments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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14 pages, 5696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Patterns of Reef-Building Porites Species in the Remote Clipperton Atoll Reef

by Ania Ochoa-Serena, J. J. Adolfo Tortolero-Langarica, Fabián A. Rodríguez-Zaragoza, Juan P. Carricart-Ganivet, Eric Clua and Alma P. Rodríguez-Troncoso

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070492 - 18 Jul 2025

Abstract

Remote reefs offer insights into natural coral dynamics, influenced by regional environmental factors and climate change fluctuations. Clipperton Atoll is the eastern tropical Pacific’s most isolated reef, where coral reef growth and life strategies have been poorly studied so far. Recognizing the coral [...] Read more.

Remote reefs offer insights into natural coral dynamics, influenced by regional environmental factors and climate change fluctuations. Clipperton Atoll is the eastern tropical Pacific’s most isolated reef, where coral reef growth and life strategies have been poorly studied so far. Recognizing the coral species’ growth response might help understand ecological dynamics and the impacts of anthropogenic stressors on coastal reefs. The present study evaluates annual coral growth parameters of the most abundant coral reef-building species, Porites australiensis, Porites arnaudi, Porites lutea, and Porites lobata. The results showed that during 2015–2019, corals exhibited the lowest annual linear extension (0.65 ± 0.29 cm yr⁻¹), skeletal density (1.14 ± 0.32 g cm⁻³), and calcification rates (0.78 ± 0.44 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹) for the genera along the Pacific. Differences in growth patterns among species were observed, with Porites lutea and Porites lobata showing a higher radial extension, developing massive-hemispherical morphologies, and acting as structural stabilizers; meanwhile, P. arnaudi and P. australiensis exhibited more skeletal compaction but also with a high plasticity on their morphologies, contributing to benthic heterogeneity. These differences are particularly important as each species fulfills different ecological functions within the reef, contributing to the ecosystem balance and enhancing the relevance of the massive species in the physical structure of remote reef systems, such as Clipperton Atoll. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Physiology of Shallow Benthic Communities)

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12 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determining Large Trees and Population Structures of Typical Tree Species in Northeast China

by Yutong Yang, Zhiyuan Jia, Shusen Ge, Yutang Li, Dongwei Kang and Junqing Li

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070491 - 18 Jul 2025

Abstract

Specialized research on large trees in Northeast China is rare. To strengthen the understanding of local large trees, a survey of 4055 tree individuals from 75 plots in southeastern Jilin Province was conducted. The individual number and species composition of large trees in [...] Read more.

Specialized research on large trees in Northeast China is rare. To strengthen the understanding of local large trees, a survey of 4055 tree individuals from 75 plots in southeastern Jilin Province was conducted. The individual number and species composition of large trees in the community, as well as large individual standards in diameter at breast height (DBH) and population structures of typical tree species, were analyzed. By setting a DBH ≥ 50 cm as the threshold, 155 individuals across all the recorded trees were determined as large trees in the community, and 32.9% (51/155) of them were national second-class protected plant species in China. By setting the top 5% in DBH of a certain tree species as the threshold of large individuals of that tree species, the large individual criteria of six typical tree species were determined. The proportion of basal area of large trees to all trees was 30.4%, and the mean proportion of basal area of large individuals across the six typical tree species was 23.9% (±4.0%). As for the population characteristics, Abies nephrolepis and Picea jezoensis had large population sizes but relatively thin individuals, Tilia amurensis and Pinus koraiensis had small population sizes but relatively thick individuals, while Betula costata and Larix olgensis had medium population sizes and medium-sized individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Diversity)

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14 pages, 13926 KiB

Open AccessData Descriptor

The Biological Diversity of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Russia: A Description of a Set of Own and Published Data and a Complete List of Species

by Nikolai G. Gornostaev, Alexander B. Ruchin, Mikhail N. Esin, Evgeniy A. Lobachev and Irina G. Esina

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070490 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

Drosophilidae is a relatively small family within Diptera. However, species of this family occupy a wide range of ecological niches and are frequently found in synanthropic habitats. Additionally, some species are known agricultural pests. The dataset is based on collections of Drosophilidae from [...] Read more.

Drosophilidae is a relatively small family within Diptera. However, species of this family occupy a wide range of ecological niches and are frequently found in synanthropic habitats. Additionally, some species are known agricultural pests. The dataset is based on collections of Drosophilidae from eleven regions of Russia. The dataset was uploaded to the GBIF platform in 2024. Published sources specifying exact localities and collection dates were also used. The database includes records dating back to 1867, with the majority of specimens collected by the authors between 2001 and 2024. Collection methods included net sweeping and bait trapping. The dataset contains 2830 occurrence records, with a total of 51,006 specimens of Drosophilidae studied. It includes data on 108 species from two subfamilies, covering 49 regions of Russia. Considering additional published sources, 188 species of Drosophilidae are currently known from Russia, with a complete species list provided. Among the most abundant species in the dataset, 10 species are represented by more than 1000 specimens: Drosophila obscura, Scaptodrosophila rufifrons, Drosophila melanogaster, Drosophila phalerata, Drosophila transversa, Drosophila kuntzei, Drosophila histrio, Drosophila testacea, Phortica semivirgo, and Drosophila immigrans. Conversely, 39 species are represented by fewer than 10 specimens in the dataset. Regarding ecological groupings, the most dominant groups are xylosaprobionts (39 species, 40.6%) and mycophages (30 species, 31.3%). Notably, in 2017, the quarantine pest Drosophila suzukii was detected in the European part of Russia. The current knowledge of the Drosophilidae fauna in Russia remains insufficient. Of the 15 regions, only one or two localities are represented in the dataset. The distribution limits and range boundaries of many species remain unknown. Moreover, the local faunas of more than half of Russia’s regions remain unexplored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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12 pages, 4442 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological Plasticity and Abundance Patterns of Arrhenia antarctica in the South Shetland Islands: Implications for Fungal Ecology in a Warming Antarctica

by Fernando Augusto Bertazzo-Silva, Jair Putzke, João Lindolfo Meira, Marisa Terezinha Lopes Putzke and Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070489 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

The formation and development of mushrooms depend on suitable conditions of humidity, substrate, and temperature. These environmental factors are directly influenced by ongoing climate change, which may alter fungal growth patterns, distribution, and morphology. However, these attributes remain inadequately investigated in Antarctic mushrooms. [...] Read more.

The formation and development of mushrooms depend on suitable conditions of humidity, substrate, and temperature. These environmental factors are directly influenced by ongoing climate change, which may alter fungal growth patterns, distribution, and morphology. However, these attributes remain inadequately investigated in Antarctic mushrooms. In this study, we examined 334 basidiomes of Arrhenia antarctica, discovered on Livingston Island in 2023. The morphological characteristics of these basidiomes were analyzed to explore how recent variations may be linked to and explained by climatic changes. Comparing the original description from over 60 years ago with the recent literature on the subject, we observed a larger pileus diameter (47.3% of basidiomes with diameters exceeding 23 mm, up to 75 mm) than previously documented (reported as up to 23 mm). Additionally, there were changes in pileus morphology, with not all of them exhibiting an umbilicate form, contrary to the references. We propose that these morphological variations may be attributed to climatic changes. The basidiomata were also found in association with pure Antarctic grass banks, prompting the question of whether Arrhenia antarctica is indeed a moss parasite. The information presented in this study aims to support ongoing research on the taxonomy and diversity of Agaricales fungi in Antarctica. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unravelling Metazoan and Fish Community Patterns in Yujiang River, China: Insights from Beta Diversity Partitioning and Co-Occurrence Network

by Yusen Li, Dapeng Wang, Yuying Huang, Jun Shi, Weijun Wu, Chang Yuan, Shiqiong Nong, Chuanbo Guo, Wenjian Chen and Lei Zhou

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070488 - 17 Jul 2025

Abstract

Understanding the biodiversity of aquatic communities and the underlying mechanisms that shape biodiversity patterns and community dynamics is crucial for the effective conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems. However, traditional survey methods often fail to comprehensively capture species diversity, particularly for low-abundance taxa. [...] Read more.

Understanding the biodiversity of aquatic communities and the underlying mechanisms that shape biodiversity patterns and community dynamics is crucial for the effective conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems. However, traditional survey methods often fail to comprehensively capture species diversity, particularly for low-abundance taxa. Moreover, studies integrating both metazoan and fish communities at fine spatial scales remain limited. To address these gaps, we employed a multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding approach, targeting both the 12S and 18S rRNA gene regions, to comprehensively investigate the composition of metazoan and fish communities in the Yujiang River. A total of 12 metazoan orders were detected, encompassing 15 families, 21 genera, and 19 species. For the fish community, 32 species were identified, belonging to 25 genera, 10 families, and 7 orders. Among these, Adula falcatoides and Coptodon zillii were identified as the most prevalent and abundant metazoan and fish species, respectively. Notably, the most prevalent fish species, C. zillii and Oreochromis niloticus, are both recognized as invasive species. The Bray–Curtis distance of metazoa (average: 0.464) was significantly lower than that of fish communities (average: 0.797), suggesting higher community heterogeneity among fish assemblages. Beta-diversity decomposition indicated that variations in the metazoan and fish communities were predominantly driven by species replacement (turnover) (65.4% and 70.9% for metazoa and fish, respectively) rather than nestedness. Mantel tests further revealed that species turnover in metazoan communities was most strongly influenced by water temperature, while fish community turnover was primarily affected by water transparency, likely reflecting the physiological sensitivity of metazoans to thermal gradients and the dependence of fish on visual cues for foraging and habitat selection. In addition, a co-occurrence network of metazoan and fish species was constructed, highlighting potential predator-prey interactions between native species and Corbicula fluminea, which emerged as a potential keystone species. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding in characterizing aquatic community structures and provides new insights into the spatial dynamics and species interactions within river ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Environmental DNA in Biomonitoring Across Multiple Trophic Levels)

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9 pages, 991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Species of Eocene Whitefly—Gregorites michalskii sp. nov. (Hemiptera, Sternorrhyncha, Aleyrodidae) from Baltic Amber

by Jowita Drohojowska, Anita Gorzelańczyk and Jacek Szwedo

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070487 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

This paper describes a new species of extinct whitefly in the genus Gregorites Drohojowska & Szwedo, 2024, from the family Aleyrodidae. This species has been identified based on an inclusion in Eocene Baltic amber. This represents the eighth documented species of the genus [...] Read more.

This paper describes a new species of extinct whitefly in the genus Gregorites Drohojowska & Szwedo, 2024, from the family Aleyrodidae. This species has been identified based on an inclusion in Eocene Baltic amber. This represents the eighth documented species of the genus and contributes new data to our knowledge of the disparity and taxonomic diversity of whiteflies in Eocene Baltic amber. The discovery of a further Gregorites species, previously known only from succinite on the western coast of Jutland, raises questions about the amberiferous deposits, their geology and history, and on palaeodistributions of the whiteflies. These are briefly reviewed and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Evolution of Hemiptera)

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21 pages, 15035 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Birds, Bees, and Botany: Measuring Urban Biodiversity After Nature-Based Solutions Implementation

by Mónica Q. Pinto, Simone Varandas, Emmanuelle Cohen-Shacham and Edna Cabecinha

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070486 - 16 Jul 2025

Abstract

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly adopted in urban settings to restore ecological functions and enhance biodiversity. This study evaluates the effects of NbS interventions on bird, insect, and plant communities in the Cavalum Valley urban green area, Penafiel (northern Portugal). Over a three-year [...] Read more.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly adopted in urban settings to restore ecological functions and enhance biodiversity. This study evaluates the effects of NbS interventions on bird, insect, and plant communities in the Cavalum Valley urban green area, Penafiel (northern Portugal). Over a three-year period, systematic field surveys assessed changes in species richness, abundance, and ecological indicators following actions such as riparian restoration, afforestation, habitat diversification, and invasive species removal. Results revealed a marked increase in bird overall abundance from 538 to 941 individuals and in average pollinator population size from 9.25 to 12.20. Plant diversity also improved, with a rise in native and RELAPE-listed species (5.23%). Functional group analyses underscored the importance of vegetative structure in supporting varied foraging and nesting behaviours. These findings highlight the effectiveness of integrated NbS in enhancing biodiversity and ecological resilience in urban landscapes while reinforcing the need for long-term monitoring to guide adaptive management and conservation planning. Future work could evaluate ecological resilience thresholds and community participation in citizen science monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity Conservation)

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Graphical abstract

24 pages, 2162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

African Small Mammals (Macroscelidea and Rodentia) Housed at the National Museum of Natural History and Science (University of Lisbon, Portugal)

by Maria da Luz Mathias and Rita I. Monarca

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070485 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

The National Museum of Natural History and Science holds a historical collection of 279 small African mammal specimens (Macroscelidea and Rodentia), representing 32 species, gathered during the Portuguese colonial period in Mozambique, Angola, and Guinea-Bissau. This study examines the collection, updates the small [...] Read more.

The National Museum of Natural History and Science holds a historical collection of 279 small African mammal specimens (Macroscelidea and Rodentia), representing 32 species, gathered during the Portuguese colonial period in Mozambique, Angola, and Guinea-Bissau. This study examines the collection, updates the small mammal species lists for each country, and highlights its importance as a historical baseline for biodiversity research. Rodents dominate the collection, reflecting their natural abundance and diversity, while Macroscelidea are less represented. The Angolan subset of the collection has the highest number of both specimens and species represented. Mozambique is underrepresented, and the Guinea-Bissau subset offers an extensive rodent representation of the country’s inventory. The most well-represented species are Gerbilliscus leucogaster, Lemniscomys striatus, Lemniscomys griselda (from Angola), and Heliosciurus gambianus (from Guinea-Bissau). Notably, the collection includes the neo-paratype of Dasymys nudipes (from Angola). Most species are common and not currently threatened, with geographic origin corresponding to savanna and forest habitats. These findings underscore the importance of integrating historical data and current biodiversity assessments to support multidisciplinary studies on target species, regions, or countries. In this context, the collection remains a valuable key resource for advanced research on African small mammals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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12 pages, 2651 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Older, the Richer? A Comparative Study of Tree-Related Microhabitats and Epiphytes on Champion and Planted Mature Oaks

by Diāna Jansone, Agnese Anta Liepiņa, Ilze Barone, Didzis Elferts, Zane Lībiete and Roberts Matisons

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070484 - 15 Jul 2025

Abstract

The common oak (Quercus robur L.), though ecologically important and long-lived, has declined in Northern Europe due to historical land use and conifer-dominated forestry. In Latvia, where its distribution is limited, oaks support a rich biodiversity through features like tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) [...] Read more.

The common oak (Quercus robur L.), though ecologically important and long-lived, has declined in Northern Europe due to historical land use and conifer-dominated forestry. In Latvia, where its distribution is limited, oaks support a rich biodiversity through features like tree-related microhabitats (TreMs) and diverse epiphytic communities. This study compared TreM and epiphyte diversity between planted mature oaks and relict champion oak trees across 16 forest stands. Epiphyte species were recorded using fixed-area frames on tree trunks, and TreMs were categorized following a hierarchical typology. Champion trees hosted significantly more TreMs and a greater variety, including 10 unique TreMs. While overall epiphyte diversity indices did not differ significantly, champion trees supported more specialist and woodland key habitat indicator species. The findings underscore the ecological value of legacy trees, which provide complex habitats essential for specialist taxa and indicators of forest continuity. Conserving such trees is vital for maintaining forest biodiversity and supporting ecosystem resilience in managed landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity in 2025)

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25 pages, 9005 KiB

Open AccessReview

Two Decades Later: A Bibliographic Revision of Menegazzia in Chile with New Identification Key and Phylogenetic Perspectives

by David Alors

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070483 - 14 Jul 2025

Abstract

This study presents a bibliographic review of the genus Menegazzia in Chile, the first in over two decades, updating new records, the taxonomic placement of the genus, and the synonymization of species. Up to twenty species have been cited in the country, considering [...] Read more.

This study presents a bibliographic review of the genus Menegazzia in Chile, the first in over two decades, updating new records, the taxonomic placement of the genus, and the synonymization of species. Up to twenty species have been cited in the country, considering that M. albida, M. hollermayeri, and M. norstictca are synonyms of the valid species M. wilsonii, M. dispora, and M sanguinascens. A fully revised dichotomous key and color photographs are included to facilitate accurate identification, especially given the genus’s morphological convergence and sparse reproductive structures. For the first time, the divergence times of Menegazzia lineages are discussed in relation to major Southern Hemisphere geologic events, suggesting a dispersal-driven distribution with a crown age of approximately 21.2 Ma. This review consolidates fragmented data, integrates recent molecular findings, and emphasizes the genus’s value as an ecological and biogeographic indicator in Chilean temperate forests. Full article

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

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15 pages, 13291 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Vegetation Changes in Space and Time—A Special Issue on Plant Succession and Vegetation Dynamics

by Thomas Fickert and Michael Richter

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070482 - 14 Jul 2025

Abstract

Plant cover on Earth is far from static [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Succession and Vegetation Dynamics)

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16 pages, 11306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unusual Occurrence of Syncytial Epithelia in the Male Accessory Glands of Shore Bugs (Leptopodomorpha in Hemiptera)

by Koji Takeda, Jun Yamauchi, Riku Naoi, Tadashi Ishikawa and Takashi Adachi-Yamada

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070481 - 11 Jul 2025

Abstract

(1) Background: The insect male accessory gland (MAG) produces seminal fluid components crucial for male reproduction, analogous to the mammalian prostate. While some insect MAGs exhibit binucleate epithelial cells for luminal volume plasticity, the diversity of cellular arrangements and their functional implications across [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The insect male accessory gland (MAG) produces seminal fluid components crucial for male reproduction, analogous to the mammalian prostate. While some insect MAGs exhibit binucleate epithelial cells for luminal volume plasticity, the diversity of cellular arrangements and their functional implications across insects remain largely unknown. (2) Methods: We investigated the cellular architecture of MAG epithelia in various shore bug species (infraorder Leptopodomorpha, Hemiptera) and their mechanisms of multinucleation and potential MAG volume regulation. (3) Results: The MAG epithelia of shore bugs comprise a small number of large, plastic syncytial cells with varying nuclear numbers. We hypothesize that these syncytia facilitate effective MAG volume expansion post-eclosion. Uniquely, MAG shrinkage involves the localized contraction of limited muscle fibers, unlike the systematic contraction of circular muscles in most other insects. We further describe sequential cell fusion during the nymphal stage as the mechanism of multinucleation. (4) Conclusions: The unique syncytial organization of Leptopodomorpha MAG epithelia represents an evolutionary divergence from typical binucleate or mononucleate structures in other insects; it is likely that this enables distinct mechanisms for reproductive fluid storage and evacuation. This study highlights the evolutionary diversity of male reproductive organ morphology and function within insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diversity and Evolution of Hemiptera)

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12 pages, 5993 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Threats to Fish Biodiversity of the South Caspian Basin in Iran

by Gohar Aghaie, Asghar Abdoli and Thomas H. White, Jr.

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070480 - 11 Jul 2025

Abstract

The South Caspian Basin of Iran (SCBI), a vital ecosystem for unique and valuable fish species, is under severe threats due to anthropogenic activities that are rapidly deteriorating its fish biodiversity. The initial step to effectively combat or mitigate threats to biodiversity is [...] Read more.

The South Caspian Basin of Iran (SCBI), a vital ecosystem for unique and valuable fish species, is under severe threats due to anthropogenic activities that are rapidly deteriorating its fish biodiversity. The initial step to effectively combat or mitigate threats to biodiversity is to precisely identify these threats. While such threats are often categorized qualitatively, there is a lack of a comparative quantitative assessment of their severity. This means that although we may have a general understanding of the threats, we do not have a clear picture of how serious they are relative to one another. This study aimed to quantify and prioritize these threats using a modified quantitative “SWOT” (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. Twenty multidisciplinary experts identified and evaluated 26 threats, and we used multivariate cluster analysis to categorize them as “High”, “Medium”, and “Low” based on their quantitative contributions to overall threat. Invasive non-native species and global warming emerged as the most significant threats, followed by resource exploitation, habitat destruction, and pollution. We then used this information to develop a “Situation Model” and “Results Chains” to guide responses to the threats. According to the Situation Model, these threats are interconnected, driven by factors such as population growth, unsustainable resource use, and climate change. To address these challenges, we propose the Results Chains, including two strategies focused on scientific research, land-use planning, public awareness, and community engagement. Prioritizing these actions is crucial for conserving the Caspian Sea’s unique fish fauna and ensuring the region’s ecological and economic sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Diversity)

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15 pages, 11182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Holoplanktonic Nudibranch (Nudibranchia: Phylliroidae) from the Central Mexican Pacific

by Jeimy D. Santiago-Valentín, Eric Bautista-Guerrero, Eva R. Kozak, Gloria Pelayo-Martínez and Carmen Franco-Gordo

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070479 - 11 Jul 2025

Abstract

Pelagic nudibranchs exemplify evolutionary convergences towards streamlined, transparent body forms adapted for life in the planktonic environment. Here, we describe a new genera and species, designated as Pleuropyge melaquensis gen. et sp. nov. This species belongs to the family Phylliroidae and is distinguished [...] Read more.

Pelagic nudibranchs exemplify evolutionary convergences towards streamlined, transparent body forms adapted for life in the planktonic environment. Here, we describe a new genera and species, designated as Pleuropyge melaquensis gen. et sp. nov. This species belongs to the family Phylliroidae and is distinguished by key diagnostic characters, including a laterally positioned anus approximately one-third of the body length from the head, the absence of a cephalic disc, and an anterior hepatic caecum that is longer than the intestine. The description of P. melaquensis contributes to the classification of a third genus and a fourth species within the Phylliroidae family. This study offers novel insights into the functional and structural traits that have enabled nudibranchs to transition from benthic to pelagic environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Diversity)

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17 pages, 29099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impacts of Continuous Damming on Zooplankton Functional Diversity in Karst Rivers of Southwest China: Different Hydrological Periods and Implications for Karst Reservoir Management

by Xiaochuan Song, Qiuhua Li, Yue Long, Jingze Zhang, Heng Wang, Bo Yang and Jing Xiao

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070478 - 10 Jul 2025

Abstract

Continuous damming in karst rivers fragmented the longitudinal structure of river systems, disrupting plankton habitats, limiting dispersal, and reducing biodiversity. This study examined variations in zooplankton functional diversity in a dammed river system during dry and wet seasons. Sampling across both seasons yielded [...] Read more.

Continuous damming in karst rivers fragmented the longitudinal structure of river systems, disrupting plankton habitats, limiting dispersal, and reducing biodiversity. This study examined variations in zooplankton functional diversity in a dammed river system during dry and wet seasons. Sampling across both seasons yielded 44 samples, with 64 zooplankton taxa categorized into seven functional groups based on their traits. Functional diversity indices were calculated. Results revealed significant differences in nutrient concentrations between upstream and downstream sections, particularly during the dry season (R² = 0.11, p < 0.01). Zooplankton functional diversity decreased from upstream to downstream, with more pronounced differences in the dry season (R² = 0.94, p < 0.05), driven by reduced dispersal stochasticity (β_BC close to −1). Continuous damming primarily affected smaller zooplankton, such as rotifers, while dissolved oxygen, water temperature, and pH influenced distribution patterns related to habitat depth, breeding season, life span, and reproduction. These findings underscored the impact of damming on zooplankton functional diversity and informed dam management strategies for biodiversity conservation. Full article

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15 pages, 1494 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Infrastructure on the Breeding Distribution of a Threatened Top Predator

by Márton Horváth, Péter Fehérvári, Tamás Szitta and Csaba Moskát

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 477; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070477 - 10 Jul 2025

Abstract

The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) has shown a marked population increase in the past decades in Hungary. The breeding range is expanding towards homogeneous agricultural habitats of the Hungarian Plain, where the already existing and recently growing infrastructural network is [...] Read more.

The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) has shown a marked population increase in the past decades in Hungary. The breeding range is expanding towards homogeneous agricultural habitats of the Hungarian Plain, where the already existing and recently growing infrastructural network is thought to be one of the main factors limiting distribution. We used data from 508 breeding attempts between 1989 and 2008 to assess the effects of infrastructural networks on breeding distribution. We constructed a single cumulative infrastructure effect (CIE) variable based on the avoidance of different infrastructure types by eagles in the past 20 years. Conditional autoregressive models were built in a Bayesian framework to quantify the effects of infrastructures on the spatial breeding pattern in a pre-defined core study area. Both multivariate and CIE models were able to classify the presence of breeding attempts with high accuracy. The CIE variable was used to build a predictive distribution model for the Hungarian Plain. The results suggest that infrastructure has a significant local effect but does not necessarily hinder the future range expansion of imperial eagles, as two-thirds of the prediction area seems to be suitable for the species. The methods and results described enable conservation managers and policy makers to assess the trade-off between infrastructural development and nature conservation priorities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Ecology of Raptors—2nd Edition)

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43 pages, 14039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Climate Change on the Distribution of Cinnamomum malabatrum (Laurales—Lauraceae), a Culturally and Ecologically Important Species of Malabar, Western Ghats, India

by Mukesh Lal Das, Sarat Chandran and Sreenath Subrahmanyam

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 476; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070476 - 10 Jul 2025

Abstract

The impact of climate change on the distribution of Cinnamomum malabatrum (Laurales—Lauraceae), a culturally and ecologically important species in the Malabar region of Western Ghats, India, was studied using a MaxEnt machine learning algorithm. The findings are rooted in extensive field data and [...] Read more.

The impact of climate change on the distribution of Cinnamomum malabatrum (Laurales—Lauraceae), a culturally and ecologically important species in the Malabar region of Western Ghats, India, was studied using a MaxEnt machine learning algorithm. The findings are rooted in extensive field data and advanced modeling techniques. The predicted range shifts and contraction of suitable habitats for the species indicate significant challenges ahead, especially in the Malabar midlands and coastal plains—areas of high endemicity. The proposed conservation strategies provide a comprehensive framework that encompasses the protection of sacred groves, sustainable land-use policies, afforestation, and community conservation strategies within protected areas. This study serves as a clarion call for concerted action and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, local communities, and conservation practitioners to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem in the face of environmental change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Spatial Phylogenetic, and Taxonomic Approaches to Understand Plant Biodiversity)

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