Ecology

Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L. syn. Q. borealis F. Michx.) is a valuable broadleaved tree species originating from the eastern half of the USA and Canada. It was introduced to Europe in 1691 and currently covers over 350 000 ha, being found all over the continent, except the coldest part of Scandinavia. It is a fast-growing and valuable broadleaved tree due to its ecological characteristics, good wood properties and high economic value. Northern red oak prefers deep, loose, moderately humid and acid soils, without compact horizons and of at least moderate fertility. It does not grow well on dry, calcareous soils as well as waterlogged or poorly drained soils. It is either naturally regenerated using a group shelterwood system or planted using seedlings of European provenance, collected in certified seed stands. As northern red oak is light-demanding, its management should be ‘dynamic’ and includes heavy interventions (cleaning–respacing and thinning from above), in order to mini...

Recent genomic analyses show that the earliest peoples reaching Remote Oceania-associated with Austronesian-speaking Lapita culture-were almost completely East Asian, without detectable Papuan ancestry. However, Papuan-related genetic ancestry is found across present-day Pacific populations, indicating that peoples from Near Oceania have played a significant, but largely unknown, ancestral role. Here, new genome-wide data from 19 ancient South Pacific individuals provide direct evidence of a so-far undescribed Papuan expansion into Remote Oceania starting ~2,500 yr BP, far earlier than previously estimated and supporting a model from historical linguistics. New genome-wide data from 27 contemporary ni-Vanuatu demonstrate a subsequent and almost complete replacement of Lapita-Austronesian by Near Oceanian ancestry. Despite this massive demographic change, incoming Papuan languages did not replace Austronesian languages. Population replacement with language continuity is extremely rar...

Efforts to control mosquito borne diseases of serious public concern rely largely on the control of vectors using pyrethroids. Emergence of insecticide resistance makes control as well as choice of ideal insecticide difficult. Following standard guidelines effectiveness of twelve ( ) commercially formulated aerosol insecticides against Culex species in Kano metropolis, Nigeria was evaluated for knockdown and mortality effect in a Peet-Grady chamber. Highest knockdown efficacy was observed with aerosol insecticide coded K11 containing; transfluthrin 0.15% and permethrin 0.23%, having KT50 of 3.7 ± 0.1 and KT95 of 10.0 ± 0.2 mins, which differ significantly (P<0.05) with aerosol F6, aerosol H8 and aerosol J10. All insecticides with the exception of A1 expressed acceptable limit of mortalities (≥90) for effective aerosol insecticide. This study revealed that; number of active ingredients did not affect formulation performance. Permethrin and Transfluthrin were identified as the most effective pyrethroid isomers in the control of Culex mosquitoes. This study further revealed the susceptibility of Culex species of Kano metropolis to aerosol based pyrethroid insecticides. However, significantly low knockdown effect observed in some of the insecticides, suggests knockdown resistance (kdr) in the population of the tested mosquitoes. Constant monitoring of susceptibility status of other mosquito genera is recommended to address challenges that may face the control of mosquito borne diseases.

Rapid Assessment Method (RAM) were carried out to assess the current situation of Onchocerciasis after repetition of annual community directed distribution of Ivermectin in Zainabi and Ririwai of Doguwa Local Government area of Kano State. Certain manifestations, like nodules, leopard skin and blindness, were used to measure the endemicity level in the community. The subjects of 30 -50 years who are engaged in rural occupation, resident in that community, were examined for the presence of nodules, skin lesion and blindness. The common manifestation in both communities is nodules with 3 (3.40%) and 2 (3.44%). Leopard skin and blindness were found in Zainabi with 2 (2.27%) and 2 (2.27%). The manifestation of Onchocerciasis was found in older age groups of 49 -70 and 50 -69 respectively, which give an indication that the disease was eliminated in the community due to mass distribution of Ivermectin in the previously known endemic community. We recommend mass distribution of Mectizan in other identified endemic foci.

I n stit u t o d e B io c i ê ncias U FRGS Hábito alimentar de Astyanax asuncionensis (Géry, 1972) durante um período de seca e cheia, no Córrego do Onça, Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul RESUMO: (Hábito alimentar de Astyanax asuncionensis (Géry, 1972) durante um período de seca e cheia, no Córrego do Onça, Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul). O presente trabalho teve como objetivo descrever os recursos alimentares explorados por Astyanax asuncionensis durante um período de seca e cheia, no Córrego do Onça, localizado no município de Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul. Foram realizadas amostragens durante a seca e a cheia do ano de 2005, utilizando puçás, peneiras e tarrafas. Os espécimes coletados foram fixados em formalina a 10% e transferidos para o Laboratório de Ictiologia da Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, unidade de Coxim, onde se obteve os dados biométricos. Para a análise dos itens alimentares foram empregados os métodos de Frequência de Ocorrência (FO%) e Volumétrico (VO%) e aplicado o índice alimentar. Segundo os dados registrados, pode-se, observar que tanto na seca como na cheia os indivíduos consumiram, vegetais superiores, sementes e frutos, assim como larvas de insetos. Diante dos resultados apresentados a espécie foi caracterizada como onívora no ambiente estudado.

Mangifera indica, commonly called mango, is an edible fruit that are also used for juice and wine production. Fresh leaves of M. indica were collected from the premises of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko Ondo State, Nigeria. Materials used, including Gram staining reagents, for the study are properly sterilized. Similarly, the culture media used, including Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Eosin methylene blue agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, Mannitol salt agar, Mueller-Hinton agar and Nutrient broth, were properly sterilized. The bacterial isolates identified and used for the study were Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility test of the Mango (Mangifera indica) leaves extract against the test bacteria shows that 200 mg/ml and 175 mg/ml extract of the plant source had observable effect against test organisms, particularly Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and to a va...

South Africa is a water scarce country and in certain regions the quantity of surface water is insufficient to provide communities with their domestic water needs. In many arid areas groundwater is often the sole source of water. This total dependence means that groundwater quality is of paramount importance. A high nitrate concentration in groundwater is a common cause of water being declared unfit for use and denitrification has been proposed as a potential remedy. In groundwater of the Marydale district in the Northern Cape Province, nitrate levels are high enough to be of concern for domestic and livestock consumption. A review of the literature indicates that bacterial denitrification of groundwater can be achieved in situ by using a suitable energy substrate. The technology has been tested elsewhere in the world but more certainty is needed on whether it is a feasible option for local groundwater remediation using local, cost-effective energy substrates and exploiting bacteria...

X&Y chromosomal aneuploidies are among the most common human whole-chromosomal copy number changes, but the population-based incidence and prevalence in the childbearing population is unclear. This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data leveraged a routine non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) using parental genotyping to estimate the population-based incidence of X&Y chromosome variations in this population referred for NIPT (generally due to advanced maternal age). From 141,916 women and 29,336 men, 119 X&Y chromosomal abnormalities (prevalence: 1 in 1,439) were identified. Maternal findings include: 43 cases of 45,X (40 mosaic); 30 cases of 47,XXX (12 mosaic); 3 cases of 46,XX uniparental disomy; 2 cases of 46,XY/46, XX; 23 cases of mosaicism of unknown type; 2 cases of 47,XX,i(X)(q10). Paternal findings include: 2 cases of 47,XXY (1 mosaic); 10 cases of 47,XYY (1 mosaic); 4 partial Y deletions. Single chromosome aneuploidy was present in one of every 1,439 individuals considered in this study, showing 47,XXX; 47,XX,i(X)(q10); 47,XYY; 47,XXY, partial Y deletions, and a high level of mosaicism for 45,X. This expands significantly our understanding of X&Y chromosomal variations and fertility issues, and is critical for families and adults affected by

Aunque la nutria Neotropical Lontra longicaudis tiene una amplia distribución en el continente americano y en Colombia, existen pocos estudios sobre la ecología de la especie en enclaves secos. Objetivo: Se evaluó la distribución y la abundancia relativa y se caracterizó el hábitat de la nutria neotropical (L. longicaudis) en temporada de bajas lluvias (julio de 2012) en los afluentes de la cuenca del río Guaroco, enclave seco de La Tatacoa, Huila, Colombia. Metodología: Se recorrieron 23,6 km (360 horas/hombre) de ríos y quebradas en busca de rastros indirectos de la presencia de la nutria; cada rastro encontrado fue georreferenciado y transferido a un mapa. A su vez se evaluaron variables del hábitat acuático y terrestre. Resultados: En la zona, la nutria está presente en la temporada de bajas lluvias en el río Guaroco (abundancia relativa de 9,79 heces/km) y en la quebrada La Nutria (2,54 heces/km); los rastros indirectos de la especie fueron encontrados en áreas con vegetación ribereña con algún tipo de cobertura de escape. Y en todos los casos prefirió las rocas y troncos caídos más grandes para depositar sus heces. Conclusión: En la zona, actividades como la cacería, la degradación de hábitat acuático y ribereño ponen en peligro la permanencia de esta especie, razón por la cual es recomendable aumentar los esfuerzos para la conservación de estos ríos porque constituyen los refugios de las nutrias del enclave seco de La Tatacoa en la temporada de bajas lluvias.

The robust Indian textile industry results in prodigious consumption followed by equivalent waste, leading to environmental deterioration. The solution is circular textile production/products (CTPs), but their existence is almost absent in the Indian market due to a lack of focus on consumers’ acceptance of CTPs. To bridge the literature gap, the TPB model was extended to explore the antecedents that directly and indirectly influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions towards CTPs. The PLS-SEM (using Smart-PLS) was used to assess the structural model with the 409 samples collected through an online survey from the NCR of India. The findings revealed that personal benefits, environmental consciousness (except risk perception), perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms significantly and directly influence consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions towards CTPs. In addition, attitude significantly and indirectly mediates the relationship between “environmental cons...

Phytoliths are a class of microfossils produced in many, but not all, families of higher plants and composed of amorphous silica or opal. They are a class of microfossils that can be used as a proxy for reconstructing terrestrial vegetation, agricultural practices, and diets, especially in arid, semiarid, and oxidative contexts where pollen is scarce. Although phytoliths are especially abundant and have been well studied in grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae), they are produced by over 50 families of higher plants. Given their relatively low level of taxonomic resolution they work particularly well in multiproxy projects complementing information from other sources.

This qualitative research advocates for prioritizing Critical and Creative Thinking in professional design over empathy. The study involved 74 undergraduate Product Design and Engineering students from Brazil, Portugal, and India to explore the relationship between these thinking skills and sustainability. The students' Critical and Creative Thinking levels were evaluated using rubrics developed by Shively et al. ( ) and a multi-level framework developed by Ceschin & Gaziulusoy (2019) was applied to identify sustainable innovation levels. The research highlights the need to enhance tertiary students' skills in addressing wicked problems, a concern recognized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development for the 21st-century workplace. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on the significance of Critical and Creative Thinking in professional design practice and emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability considerations into design education.

The expression and impact of maternal effects may vary greatly between populations and environments. However, little is known about large‐scale geographical patterns of variation in maternal deposition to eggs. In birds, as in other oviparous animals, the outermost maternal component of an egg is the shell, which protects the embryo, provides essential mineral resources and allows its interaction with the environment in the form of gas exchange. In this study, we explored variation of eggshell traits (mass, thickness, pore density and pigmentation) across 15 pied flycatcher populations at a large geographic scale. We found significant between‐population variation in all eggshell traits, except in pore density, suggesting spatial variation in their adaptive benefits or in the females’ physiological limitations during egg laying. Between‐ population variation in shell structure was not due to geographic location (latitude and longitude) or habitat type. However, eggshells were thicker...

Human-induced climate change is expected to cause major biotic changes in species distributions and thereby including escalation of novel host-parasite associations. Closely related host species that come into secondary contact are especially likely to exchange parasites and pathogens. Both the Enemy Release Hypothesis (where invading hosts escape their original parasites) and the Novel Weapon Hypothesis (where invading hosts bring new parasites that have detrimental effects on native hosts) predict that the local host will be most likely to experience a disadvantage. However, few studies evaluate the occurrence of interspecific parasite transfer by performing wide-scale geographic sampling of pathogen lineages, both within and far from host contact zones. In this study, we investigate how haemosporidian (avian malaria) prevalence and lineage diversity vary in two, closely related species of passerine birds; the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca and the collared flycatcher F. albicollis in both allopatry and sympatry. We find that host species is generally a better predictor of parasite diversity than location, but both prevalence and diversity of parasites vary widely among populations of the same bird species. We also find a O RCI D

In temperate agroecosystems, avian responses in abundance and distribution to landscape attributes may be exacerbated by the coupling of natural seasons and farming practices. We assessed the seasonal roles of field type, field use in the surroundings, and distance from a field to the nearest woodlot on the abundance of seed-eating birds in a 225,000 km 2 study area in the Pampas of central Argentina. During spring-summer and autumn of 2011-2013, we randomly selected 392 fields and used transect samples to collect data on abundance and presence of seed-eating bird species. We recorded a total of 11,579 individuals belonging to 15 seed-eating bird species. We used generalized lineal mixed models to relate bird abundance to field type, field use in the surroundings, and distance to the nearest woodlot. In spring-summer (breeding season) most bird responses were associated with their nesting requirements. Species that build their nests in trees, such as eared doves Zenaida auriculata, picazuro pigeons Patagioenas picazuro, and monk parakeets Myiopsitta monachus, were more abundant in fields closer to woodlots, whereas grassland yellow-finches Sicalis luteola, which nest at areas with tall grasses, were more abundant in fields with livestock use patches in the field surroundings. In autumn (non-breeding season), most bird responses were associated with foraging and refuge needs. The high abundance of eared doves in crop stubbles and the association of pigeons at field surroundings dominated by croplands or at crop stubbles surrounded by livestock use fields revealed the intimate association of these species to sites with high availability of food resources. In addition, both picazuro pigeons and spot-winged pigeons Patagioenas maculosa were associated with woodlots, which provide suitable roosting sites. Our results show that in temperate agroecosystems, the relationships between field characteristics and seed-eating bird abundances vary with season.

The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), is native to Asia but has been intentionally introduced to many countries as a biological control agent of pest insects. In numerous countries, however, it has been introduced unintentionally. The dramatic spread of H. axyridis within many countries has been met with considerable trepidation. It is a generalist top predator, able to thrive in many habitats and across wide climatic conditions. It poses a threat to biodiversity, particularly aphidophagous insects, through competition and predation, and in many countries adverse effects have been reported on other species, particularly coccinellids. However, the patterns are not consistent around the world and seem to be affected by many factors including landscape and climate. Research on H. axyridis has provided detailed insights into invasion biology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring. An impressive number of studies on this alien species have provided mechanistic evidence alongside models explaining large-scale patterns and processes. The involvement of citizens in monitoring this species in a number of countries around the world is inspiring and has provided data on scales that would be otherwise unachievable. Harmonia axyridis has successfully been used as a model invasive alien species and has been the inspiration for global collaborations at various scales. There is considerable scope to expand the research and associated collaborations, particularly to increase the breadth of parallel studies conducted in the native and invaded regions. Indeed a qualitative comparison of biological traits across the native and invaded range suggests that there are differences which ultimately could influence the population dynamics of this invader. Here we provide an overview of the invasion history and ecology of H. axyridis globally with consideration of future research perspectives. We reflect broadly on the contributions of such research to our understanding of invasion biology while also informing policy and people.

Rates of global extinction are accelerating and show no sign of slowing (Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). Invasive alien species (IAS) are recognised as major drivers of biodiversity loss (Winter et al. 2009). IAS afford a unique opportunity to accurately assess threats to biodiversity because the time at which an IAS arrives within an ecosystem is often known, unlike other drivers of change. However, few causal relationships between IAS and species declines have been documented. We used data collated through extensive citizen-driven field surveys in Belgium and Britain spanning decades, as well as intensive monitoring by scientists in Belgium, Britain and Switzerland. The fine-scale data collection, replicated in time (over decades and including detailed observations before and after the arrival of an IAS) and with extensive coverage in three European countries, combined with powerful modern mixed-modelling (statistical) techniques, provided a uniquely rigorous test of the imp...

Tropical fruit flies (Drosophilidae) differ from temperate drosophilids in several ecophysiological traits, such as desiccation tolerance. Moreover, many species show significant differences in desiccation tolerance across geographical populations. Fruit flies from the tropical and subtropical Indian subcontinent show a clinal pattern for desiccation tolerance which is similar for more than a dozen species studied so far, suggesting adaptation to climatic differences. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate which particular climatic patterns modulate desiccation tolerance in natural populations of drosophilids. Latitude of the sampling site explained most of the variability. Seasonal thermal amplitude (fluctuations in temperature expressed as coefficient of variation) was the strongest climatic factor shaping desiccation tolerance of flies, while factors measuring humidity directly were not important. Implications for survival of flies after future climate change are suggested.

Native to Asia, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is 12 considered an invasive alien ladybird in Europe and North America, where it was widely 13 introduced as a biological control agent of aphids and coccids. In Europe, H. axyridis was 14 sold by various biological control companies from 1995 in France, Belgium and the 15 Netherlands, and was also intentionally released in at least nine other countries. It has 16 spread very rapidly, particularly since 2002, and is now regarded as established in thirteen 17 European countries. The established range extends from Denmark in the north to southern

RBLP), en el estado mexicano de Campeche integra diversos componentes ecológicos estructurales entre los que destacan los peces como la macrofauna acuática más abundante y diversa. El estudio de la estructura y funcionamiento de los peces marinos costeros está condicionado por la comprensión de la dinámica ambiental de diferente escala. En el presente estudio, se realizaron muestreos nictimerales en tres momentos del año 2009 en un sitio localizado en la región central de la RBLP con el objetivo de describir las variaciones ambientales y los cambios en la abundancia y diversidad de la ictiofauna y discutir sus asociaciones con los ciclos día-noche y las épocas climáticas de Nortes, Secas y Lluvias. Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas en el comportamiento ambiental entre las tres épocas climáticas, pero no así entre las horas de día y de noche. Se determinaron 31 especies distribuidas en 17 familias entre las cuales se destaca Haemulidae, Sparidae, Lutjanidae, Sciaenidae, Monacanthidae y Tetraodontidae por su riqueza específica. Se identificaron 12 especies dominantes siendo las más abundantes Haemulon plumierii, Lagodon romboides, Orthopristis chrysoptera y Eucinostomus gula. La mayor abundancia se registró en la época climática Nortes y la menor en Secas. En Secas, además se observaron las mayores diferencias entre día y noche. Las especies dominantes se asociaron en dos grupos que coinciden por su abundancia en horas del día y la noche, y con la variabilidad ambiental.

Background Understanding which intrinsic and extrinsic factors dictate decision-making processes such as leaving the natal area or not (migratory vs resident strategy), departure time, and non-breeding destination are key-issues in movement ecology. This is particularly relevant for a partially migratory meta-population in which only some individuals migrate. We investigated these decision making-processes for 40 juvenile greater flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus fledged in three Mediterranean colonies and equipped with GPS-GSM devices. Contrary to the body size and the dominance hypotheses, juveniles in better body condition were more likely to migrate than those in worse conditions, which opted for a residence strategy. Flamingo probability of departure was not associated with an increase in local wind intensity, but rather with the presence of tailwinds with departure limited to night-time mostly when the wind direction aligned with the migratory destination. Moreover, a positive interaction between tailwind speed and migration distance suggested that juveniles opted for stronger winds when initiating long-distance journeys. In contrast to previous studies, the prevailing seasonal winds were only partially aligned with the migratory destination, suggesting that other factors (e.g., adults experience in mix-aged flocks, availability of suitable foraging areas en route, density-dependence processes) may be responsible for the distribution observed at the end of the first migratory movement. We found potential evidence of sex-biased timing of migration with females departing on average 10 days later and flying ca. 10 km/h faster than males. Female flight speed, but not male one, was positively influenced by tailwinds, a pattern most likely explained by sexual differences in mechanical power requirements for flight (males being ca. 20% larger than females). Furthermore, juveniles considerably reduced their flight speeds after 400 km from departure, highlighting a physiological threshold, potentially linked to mortality risks when performing long-distance non-stop movements. These results suggest that not only intrinsic factors such as individual conditions and sex, but also extrinsic factors like weather, play critical roles in triggering migratory behaviour in a partially migratory metapopulation.

Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea is the main seabird species by-caught by the Spanish longline fleet operating in the western Mediterranean Sea. Identification of the principal factors that determine this by-catch and understanding how they could be controlled is fundamental for improving the management of fisheries and so carry out a better conservation of Cory's shearwater populations in the Mediterranean. The aim of this paper was to model the longline by-catch of Mediterranean Cory's shearwater in the Spanish Mediterranean longline fishery as a function of time of the year, technical characteristics of the fishing operation, and geographical location. We used data recorded by an onboard observer program monitoring commercial longline fisheries. During the 10 years covered in this study, 80 birds were captured in 30 fishing operations out of a total of 2,587 observed fishing sets. We used favourability functions and Random Forest analyses to relate the presence of Cory's shearwater in the by-catch with the explanatory factors. The most explanatory factor in relation to incidence of by-catch was the geographical location (longitude and fishing over the continental shelf) and then the technical characteristics of the fishing operation (number of hooks and fishing during non-working days). Our conclusion is clear, because seabirds are more likely to approach longline vessels when trawlers are not allowed to operate (i.e. non-working days), activity of longliners should be limited to working days, and closing longliners activity during the month of October could reduce greatly reducing seabird bycatch. Communicated by Elizabeth Masden.

Measuring the 15 N abundance in the plants of a site provides information on two of its important ecological aspects: 1) the openness of its N cycle; and 2) the possibility to measure its biological N fixation (BNF). The variation of δ 15 N signals in trees of five different ecosystems in Northeast Brazil were measured: 1) a coastal rain forest; 2) a more humid semiarid caatinga; 3) a dry core caatinga; 4) a semideciduous mountain forest within the semiarid region; and 5) one savanna – caatinga transition. The rain forest had a low signal (2.4‰), contrasting with those of the caatinga (6.5 to 10.1‰) and mainly that of the caatinga – cerrado transition (12.6‰). Thus, in these forests, N losses are low, their cycle is relatively close and measuring fixation using the 15 N method is not viable. In each of these ecosystems, all the plants of all species had signals varying within a relatively narrow range (±1.6‰), with no significant difference among species, while in the savanna – caat...

A Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) Fazenda Almas (7°28”15’S, 36°53’51”W) está localizada nos municípios de São José dos Cordeiros e Sumé, no Cariri Paraibano, Paraíba. A reserva, com 3.505 hectares, é uma área bem preservada com vegetação de caatinga arbórea densa ou caatinga arbórea aberta, com diversos afloramentos rochosos, numa altitude entre 590 e 760 msm. Foram identificadas 293 espécies, 203 gêneros e 68 famílias. Cerca de 18% das espécies são endêmicas do Bioma Caatinga. As famílias mais diversas são Fabaceae (16,38% das espécies), Convolvulaceae (6,14%), Euphorbiaceae (6,14%), Cyperaceae (5,12%), Poaceae (4,78%), Rubiaceae (4,44%), Malvaceae (3,75%), Apocynaceae (3,07%), Malpighiaceae (2,73%) e Bignoniaceae (2,39%).

Sergipe, listed 469 species of vascular plants in a large fragment in the south, and other studies Mendes et al. 2009; Lucena et al. 2010) pointed a varied number of species (114, 552, 24, 193, respectively) in the Serra de Itabaiana, an ecotone where Atlantic forest grades into Caatinga. More recently Prata et al. (2013), in the first volume of the Flora of Sergipe, treated 494 species and estimated that it represents 25% of the state's flora. Clearly, more studies are needed, especially given the extensive loss of habitat. This study presents new data on the diversity of woody plants in Sergipe, based on surveys conducted in two fragments of Atlantic Forest which are critical for the conservation of species such as the endangered Coimbra-Filho's titi monkey, Callicebus coimbrai Kobayashi and Langguth 1999 (Souza-Alves et al. 2011; Souza-Alves 2013) and the critically endangered yellow-breasted capuchin, Sapajus xanthosternos Wied-Neuwied 1826 (Beltrão-Mendes et al. 2011). The study was conducted in two fragments of semideciduous Atlantic Forest in Sergipe, Brazil (Figure ), as part of a long-term study of the ecology of Callicebus coimbrai . One site is the Fazenda Trapsa (denominated here as Trapsa or FT), which is located in the municipality of Itaporanga d' Ajuda (11°12′00″ S, 37°14′0″ W) in southern Sergipe, approximately 8 km from the coast. This area comprises six fragments of varying shapes, sizes (two ≥ 15 ≤ 50 ha, four > 50 to < 118 ha), and degrees of connectivity, encompassing a total area of approximately 600 ha of remaining forest. It is set within an anthropogenic matrix Forzza et al. (2012) estimated that approximately 20,000 species of vascular plants are found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome, of which around 40% are endemic. Surveys are available for a number of sites in the northern Atlantic Forest, in particular in the states of

Termites play an important role in the carbon cycling of several ecosystems. Part of this C is directed to the formation of nests or mounds, but few published estimations have been made of the proportions of this C in relation to those in the vegetation and/or in the litter. The dynamics of C of Constrictotermes cyphergaster nests, in the driest part of caatinga, in semiarid northeast Brazil, was calculated considering all present, formed and abandoned nests in 1 ha, for two years. Carbon concentrations were determined from samples taken from the core and the external layer of nests. Total aboveground biomasses of trees and shrubs in the 1 ha were estimated by allometric equations. C concentrations were lower in the external layer (24-33 g kg -1 ) than in the nest cores (38-76 g kg -1 ). The stock of C in the nests of the sampled ha was 61.5 kg, which represents about 0.6% of that in the plant aboveground biomass (10.25 Mg C ha -1 ). The C in the annual formation and abandonment of nests (10.2 kg ha -1 year -1 ) corresponded to 16% of the stock of C in the nests, 1.1% of the carbon in the annual litter production (925 kg C ha -1 year -1 ) and 3.1% of the non-leaf litter. Although lower than the few values reported for more humid areas, these proportions indicate that C. cyphergaster nest formation contributes to C cycling in this very dry semiarid caatinga site.

Communicating the scientific consensus that climate change is real increases climate change beliefs, worry, and support for public action in the US. Recent science goes beyond the mere reality of climate change—there is now broad agreement that climate change is a crisis. In this preregistered 27-country experiment (N = 10,527), we tested two scientific consensus messages, a classic message on the reality of climate change and an updated message additionally emphasizing the crisis status agreement. The classic message corrects misperceptions and slightly increases climate change beliefs and worry but not support for public action. The updated message is equally effective but provides no added value. Both messages are more effective for audiences with lower message familiarity and higher misperceptions, including those with lower trust in climate scientists and right-leaning ideologies. Overall, scientific consensus messaging is an effective, non-polarizing tool for climate change co...

Floristic analyses (Principal Component Analysis and Analysis of Group Indicators) at the genus level were employed to characterize and compare seasonal forest formations in northeastern Brazil. The presence -absence of 248 genera of woody plants occurring in 24 floristic surveys was correlated with geomorphology and climatic variables. The analyses were consistent and point to the existence of two floristic groups of seasonal forests in the region, one more closely related to the Atlantic Coastal Forest (mata atlântica) and the other to the xerophytic formations (caatinga) of the region. The driest seasonal forest group experiences more than 8 dry months per year and/or a total annual rainfall of <1000 mm, and is found on the ancient eroded peaks in the semi-arid core and on the western slopes of the Borborema Plateau.

Plantas melíferas e abundância relativa de espécies de Apidae corbiculadas em uma área de caatinga no Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a utilização floral por parte de espécies de Apidae corbiculados na caatinga nos Cariris Velhos, no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. A área apresenta uma pluviosidade total anual em torno de 300 mm. As abelhas foram capturadas principalmente em flores, num intervalo de duas semanas durante um período de 12 meses. Foram coletados 1154 indivíduos de 15 espécies de abelhas em flores de 48 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 34 famílias. Trigona spinipes foi a espécie de abelha mais abundante, seguida de Scaptotrigona aff. depilis, Apis mellifera, Scaptotrigona aff. tubiba, Frieseomelitta varia dispar, e Trigonisca pediculana. Convolvulaceae (21.7% das visitas), Caesalpiniaceae (18.8%) e Papilionaceae (17.0%) foram as famílias botânicas mais visitadas. As abelhas demonstraram alguma preferência por certas espécies de plantas. Apis mellifera e abelhas sem ferrão apresentaram uma baixa sobreposição no uso dos recursos. Maiores sobreposições foram observadas entre abelhas sem ferrão do mesmo gênero. Trigona spinipes foi a espécie mais abundante e menos especializada observada. A. mellifera apresentou uma baixa abundância na área. Supõe-se que as condições áridas dos Cariris Velhos sejam mais adversas para Apis mellifera do que para abelhas da subtribo, Meliponina.

Citizen science is gaining increasing prominence as a tool for science and engagement. However, despite being a potentially valuable tool for sustainable development, citizen science has little visibility in many developing countries. We undertook a collaborative prioritisation process with experts in conservation and the environment to assess the potential of environmental citizen science in East Africa, including its opportunities, benefits and barriers. This provided principles that are applicable across developing countries, particularly for large‐scale citizen science. We found that there was great potential for citizen science to add to our scientific knowledge of natural resources and biodiversity trends. Many of the important benefits of citizen science were for people, as well as the environment directly. Major barriers to citizen science were mostly social and institutional, although projects should also consider access to suitable technology and language barriers. Policy ...

Background The incorporation of silica within the plant cell wall has been well documented by botanists and materials scientists; however, the means by which plants are able to transport silicon and control its polymerization, together with the roles of silica in situ, are not fully understood. † Recent Progress Recent studies into the mechanisms by which silicification proceeds have identified the following: an energy-dependent Si transporter; Si as a biologically active element triggering natural defence mechanisms; and the means by which abiotic toxicities are alleviated by silica. A full understanding of silica formation in vivo still requires an elucidation of the role played by the environment in which silica formation occurs. Results from in-vitro studies of the effects of cell-wall components associated with polymerized silica on mineral formation illustrate the interactions occurring between the biomolecules and silica, and the effects their presence has on the mineralized structures so formed. † Scope This Botanical Briefing describes the uptake, storage and function of Si, and discusses the role biomolecules play when incorporated into model systems of silica polymerization as well as future directions for research in this field.

Communautés d’araignées (Arthropoda, Araneae) dans différentes forêts de pins de la réserve de chasse de Zéralda (Alger, Algérie) : taxinomie et biodiversité. La réserve de chasse de Zéralda est située dans le nord de l’Algérie, à environ 30 km à l’ouest d’Alger. Elle couvre une superficie de 1078 ha dont 460 ha sont principalement une forêt naturelle de Pinus halepensis, et des plantations de Pinus pinea et Pinus canariensis. Ces différents biotopes sont favorables à la présence de différentes faunes en général et de la faune du sol en particulier. L’échantillonnage a été effectué en utilisant des pièges Barber. Au total, 48 espèces d’araignées ont été collectées, appartenant à 33 genres et à 17 familles. Les résultats n’ont montré aucune différence dans la richesse des espèces entre les trois types de forêts, mais en ont montré d’une part entre les forêts fermées et celles ouvertes, et d’autre part entre les formations selon qu’elles sont pures ou mixtes. Les facteurs abiotiques c...

the occurrence of Lepidurus apus in Iran is reported for the first time. this species was found in Aigher goli located in the mountains area, east Azerbaijan province (North east, Iran). details on biogeography, ecology and morphology of this species are provided.

A survey on the distribution and status of large branchiopod crustaceans (Branchiopoda: Anostraca, Notostraca, Conchostraca) in Iran was carried out from spring 2008 to summer 2011 with the purpose of providing a systematic contribution to the knowledge of these crustaceans in the region. Data from literature on Iranian large branchiopods are briefly reviewed, and field surveys allowed us to add new data on their presence and co-occurrence in the area. Eleven large branchiopod species were collected, including five Anostraca, three Notostraca and three Conchostraca species. Anostraca have been recorded previously from Iran, but all of the Conchostraca (Leptestheria sp., Caenestheriella sp. and Cyzicus sp.) and Triops granarius are new records. Species richness was correlated to pool size and salinity. Diversity analysis revealed that large-size low-salinity (0.5e3 gl À1 ) pools housed more species than the other pool categories. This may suggest strong species-sorting mechanisms and possibly monopolization of resources in small saline pools. Most of the observed large branchiopod species are threatened or remain data deficient due to inadequate knowledge of their distribution. Local extinction risks are high forspecies with one or two populations due to consecutive years of drought.

Freshwater anostracans inhabit ephemeral water bodies in which as the water level decreases due to evaporation the salt concentration increases. Thus, for most anostracans salinity becomes the major stress factor. We tested five concentrations of NaCl (0 to 8 g/l) on the life table demography of Branchipus schaefferi fed Chlorella (alga). Age-specific survivorship curves of male and female B. schaefferi showed nearly a similar pattern in that increased salt concentration resulted in decreased survivorship. The age-specific reproduction (m(x)) of females showed several peaks of cyst production at 0 and 1 g/l salinity while in treatments containing salt at 4 or 8 g/l, there were fewer peaks. Average lifespan, life expectancy at birth, gross and net reproductive rates, generation time and the rate of population increase were all significantly influenced by the salt concentration in the medium. The highest value of net reproductive rate (970 cysts/female) was in treatments containing 0 ...

Fairy shrimps (Anostraca) live in temporary waters. Dominant among their predators are aquatic insects, especially diving beetles (Dytiscidae). Mastication of the eggs of the fairy shrimp Branchipus schaefferi and their passage through the digestive tract of smaller beetles, like Ilybius fenestratus, has a positive effect on hatching afterwards. Dytiscidae could be important vectors for aerial dispersal of diaspores among ponds which are not directly connected to a stream channel. Such long-distance dispersal can be of critical importance for population survival and gene flow among communities living in temporary habitats.

Six Artemia populations, one bisexual and five parthenogenetic, from different parts of Iran were compared using morphometric and genetic characteristics. The discriminant analysis based on 19 morphometric variables showed that there are significant differences between the studied populations based on their morphological characteristics, where 85.9% of original grouped cases were correctly classified. The bisexual Artemia urmiana however exhibited a 100% separation from the parthenogenetic populations. However, a 1500 bp mitochondrial rDNA fragment showed similar RFLP patterns for all Iranian populations confirming earlier reports of a close genetic relationship between A. urmiana and parthenogenetic Artemia. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

FLORA AND PALAEOCLIMATE OF THE LA MESETA FORMATION (MIDDLE EOCENE), MARAMBIO (SEY-MOUR) ISLAND, ANTARCTICA. New elements ofthe La Meseta Formation megaflora are described. This unit crops out on the northern third of Marambio (Seymour) Island, Antarctica. Fossilleaves were collected from the middle part of this formation, dated as middle Eocene. Although the fossils are not well preserved, we identified elements assignable to the following families: Nothofagaceae (at least 3 species), Dilleniaceae, Myricaceae, Myrtaceae, and Lauraceae. However, it was impossible to identify some of the fossils, although all could be recognized as dicotyledonous angiosperms. A palaeoclimatic interpretation based on physiognomic analysis (independent of the taxonomy of the elements) indicates ternperate to cool temperate and seasonably moist climate for this forrnation. This interpretation reinforces the existence of a latitudinal gradient between the Antarctic Peninsula and South America and their progressive migration towards the north as consequence of climatic deterioriation during the Eocene-Oligocene.

Sedimentological and paleontological study of the Man Aike Formation at the Estancia 25 de Mayo, SW of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, represents the evolution of an incised valley from fluvial to marine environment during the late middle Eocene. At the base of the unit there is an unconformity that corresponds to fluvial channels which cut down into the underlying Maastrichtian sandstones of the Calafate Formation. The fauna of invertebrates (mostly molluscs) illustrated herein was collected from shell beds interpreted as tidal ravinement surfaces. The fauna includes terebratulid brachiopods, bivalves of the families Malletiidae, Mytilidae, Pinnidae, Ostreidae, Pectinidae, Carditidae, Crassatellidae, Lahillidae, Mactridae, Veneridae, and Hiatellidae, and gastropods of the families Trochidae and Calyptraeidae, and a member of Archaeogastropoda of uncertain affinities. The similarities of this fauna with that recorded in the Upper Member of the Río Turbio Formation, together with 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ages, suggest a late Middle Eocene age for the Man Aike Formation.

(ORDER ROSA-LES) FROM THE LA MESETA FORMATION (MIDDLE EOCENE), MARAMBIO ISLAND, ANTARCTICA, A new fossil flowcr with affinities to the family Grossulariaceae is described, It was collected from outcrops of La Meseta Formation, Marambio (Seyrnour) Island, Antarctica, together with other fossil plant rernains. The age of this unit has been calculated as lower Eocene to possibly lower Oligocene, although the fossil was collected from fine-grained heterolithic facies of estuarine origin dated as middle Eocene. The characters preserved in the flower suggest a close r.elationship with the family Grossulariaceae. Comparisons with living and fossil taxa are established. Based on these comparisons, we erect a new genus for this fossil flower.

Los materiales fósiles consisten en placas aisladas y un pequeño fragmento de la coraza, de naturaleza epitecal, correspondientes a diversos especímenes. Esta armadura epitecal es sólo conocida entre los miembros de la familia Dermochelyidae registrados desde el Eoceno medio hasta la Actualidad. Los especímenes antarticos son tentativamente referidos al género Psephophorus, taxón cuyas especies se registran desde el Eoceno mediosuperior hasta el Plioceno en Europa,