Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.is an endemic shrub flower in China with 2n=10.This study used 228 cultivars from four populations,i.e.,Jiangnan,Japan,Northwest,and Zhongyuan,as materials to explore the genetic diversity le...Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.is an endemic shrub flower in China with 2n=10.This study used 228 cultivars from four populations,i.e.,Jiangnan,Japan,Northwest,and Zhongyuan,as materials to explore the genetic diversity levels among different populations of tree peony varieties.The results showed that 34 bands were amplified using five pairs of cp SSR primers,with an average of 6.8 bands per primer pair.The average number of different alleles(N_(a)),effective alleles(N_(e)),Shannon's information index(I),diversity(H),and polymorphic information content(PIC)were 3.600,2.053,0.708,0.433,and 0.388,respectively.The PIC value was between 0.250 and 0.500,indicating a moderate level of polymorphism for the five cp SSR primer pairs.The genetic diversity levels of peony cultivars varied among different populations,with the Northwest population showing relatively lower levels(I=0.590,H=0.289,and PIC=0.263).A total of 52 haplotypes were identified in the four examined populations,and the number of haplotypes per population ranged from 11 to 22.Forty-four private haplotypes were detected across populations,and the Northwest population exhibiting the highest count of private haplotypes with 17.The mean number of effective number of haplotypes(N_(eh)),haplotypic richness(R_(h)),and diversity(H)were 8.351,6.824,and 0.893,respectively.Analysis of molecular variance indicated that genetic variation within tree peony germplasm was greater than that between germplasm resources,and the main variation was found within individuals of peony germplasm.Cluster analysis,principal coordinate analysis,and genetic structure analysis classified tree peonies from different origins into two groups,indicating a certain degree of genetic differentiation among these four tree peony cultivation groups.This study provides a theoretical basis for the exploration,utilization,and conservation of peony germplasm resources,as well as for research on the breeding of excellent varieties.展开更多
Wetland degradation is an escalating global challenge with profound impacts on animal diversity,particularly during successional processes.Birds,as highly mobile and environmentally sensitive organisms,serve as effect...Wetland degradation is an escalating global challenge with profound impacts on animal diversity,particularly during successional processes.Birds,as highly mobile and environmentally sensitive organisms,serve as effective indicators of ecological change.While previous studies have primarily focused on local community structures and species diversity during a specific season,there is a need to extend the research timeframe and explore broader spatial variations.Additionally,expanding from simple species diversity indices to more multidimensional diversity indices would provide a more comprehensive understanding of wetland health and resilience.To address these gaps,we investigated the effects of wetland degradation on bird diversity across taxonomic,phylogenetic,and functional dimensions in the Zoige Wetland,a plateau meadow wetland biodiversity hotspot.Surveys were conducted during both breeding(summer)and overwintering(winter)seasons across 20 transects in 5 sampling areas,representing 4 degradation levels(pristine,low,medium,and high).Our study recorded a total of 106 bird species from 32 families and 14 orders,revealing distinct seasonal patterns in bird community composition and diversity.Biodiversity indices were significantly higher in pristine and low-degraded wetlands,particularly benefiting waterfowl(Anseriformes,Ciconiiformes)and wading birds(Charadriiformes)in winter,when these areas provided superior food resources and habitat conditions.In contrast,medium and highly degraded wetlands supported increased numbers of terrestrial birds(Passeriformes)and raptors(Accipitriformes,Falconiformes).Seasonal differences in taxonomic,phylogenetic,and functional diversity indices highlighted the contrasting ecological roles of wetlands during breeding and overwintering periods.Furthermore,indicator species analysis revealed key species associated with specific degradation levels and seasons,providing valuable insights into wetland health.This study underscores the importance of spatiotemporal dynamics in understanding avian responses to wetland degradation.By linking seasonal patterns of bird diversity to habitat conditions,our findings contribute to conservation efforts and provide a framework for assessing wetland degradation and its ecological impacts.展开更多
Viral infectious diseases,characterized by their intricate nature and wide-ranging diversity,pose substantial challenges in the domain of data management.The vast volume of data generated by these diseases,spanning fr...Viral infectious diseases,characterized by their intricate nature and wide-ranging diversity,pose substantial challenges in the domain of data management.The vast volume of data generated by these diseases,spanning from the molecular mechanisms within cells to large-scale epidemiological patterns,has surpassed the capabilities of traditional analytical methods.In the era of artificial intelligence(AI)and big data,there is an urgent necessity for the optimization of these analytical methods to more effectively handle and utilize the information.Despite the rapid accumulation of data associated with viral infections,the lack of a comprehensive framework for integrating,selecting,and analyzing these datasets has left numerous researchers uncertain about which data to select,how to access it,and how to utilize it most effectively in their research.This review endeavors to fill these gaps by exploring the multifaceted nature of viral infectious diseases and summarizing relevant data across multiple levels,from the molecular details of pathogens to broad epidemiological trends.The scope extends from the micro-scale to the macro-scale,encompassing pathogens,hosts,and vectors.In addition to data summarization,this review thoroughly investigates various dataset sources.It also traces the historical evolution of data collection in the field of viral infectious diseases,highlighting the progress achieved over time.Simultaneously,it evaluates the current limitations that impede data utilization.Furthermore,we propose strategies to surmount these challenges,focusing on the development and application of advanced computational techniques,AI-driven models,and enhanced data integration practices.By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge,this review is designed to guide future research and contribute to more informed approaches in the surveillance,prevention,and control of viral infectious diseases,particularly within the context of the expanding big-data landscape.展开更多
Marine fish diversity in the Beibu Gulf from 2014 to 2022 was analyzed,using various methods including at-sea fisheries resource surveys,fishing port surveys,underwater survey techniques,and data from literature,books...Marine fish diversity in the Beibu Gulf from 2014 to 2022 was analyzed,using various methods including at-sea fisheries resource surveys,fishing port surveys,underwater survey techniques,and data from literature,books,and databases,from which 1059 fish species across 40 orders,166 families,and 503 genera were identified.Among them,Acanthuriformes displayed the highest diversity,followed by Carangiformes and Perciformes.Notably,eight alien species were found in the Beibu Gulf.The International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN)Red List assessment revealed 51threatened species,primarily cartilaginous fish.Taxonomic changes affected 88.70%of species due to classification adjustments,misidentifications,and junior synonymy.This study contributed new data of the gulf,including one additional order,six new families,34 new genera,and 81 new species,emphasizing the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems.Fish diversity in the gulf was relatively lower than the broader South China Sea,attributed to limited habitats and survey methods.Different survey methods,such as gill nets,trap nets,and underwater cameras,yielded varying results.Ocean currents may have transported deep-sea species into the Beibu Gulf,leading to accidental records.Research gaps exist in unexplored areas,warranting further investigation.Therefore,the Beibu Gulf hosts significant marine biodiversity,but taxonomic challenges and undiscovered species require new research and conservation efforts.展开更多
The mussel is one of the main cultivated species in the world.A significant challenge faced by suspension-cultured mussels is the high incidence of mussel fall-off from cultivation ropes,adversely impacting harvest yi...The mussel is one of the main cultivated species in the world.A significant challenge faced by suspension-cultured mussels is the high incidence of mussel fall-off from cultivation ropes,adversely impacting harvest yields,which have been documented at commercial mussel farms in the United Kingdom,the United States of America,Canada,Spain,New Zealand and China.Byssus is an important attachment structure for marine mussels,and weakness in byssal thread attachment is a major factor leading to mussel detachment from ropes.To investigate the relationship between genetic variability and byssal thread phenotypic characteristics in the hard-shelled mussel(Mytilus coruscus),we collected three wild populations of M.coruscus from different latitudes in the East China Sea,including the Shengsi(SS),Jiaojiang(JJ),and Fuding(FD)populations.The genetic diversity and structure of these populations were investigated using 10 microsatellite loci.The mean observed heterozygosity(Ho)in the SS population was 0.44,higher than the mean Ho values of the JJ(0.40)and FD(0.39)populations.The mean inbreeding coefficients(F_(is))in the SS population was 0.20,lower than the mean F_(is)values of the JJ(0.33)and FD populations(0.40).These results revealed that the SS population exhibited higher genetic diversity compared to the other two populations.The different numbers of private alleles(P_(a))in the three populations,ranging from 10 to 17,suggest that these populations have experienced selective pressures from various environments.Moreover,genetic differentiation was observed in the genetic distance between the SS population and the other two populations.We also examined the phenotypic characteristics of their byssal threads.There were significant differences in byssus attachment strength among the three populations,with the SS population located at the highest latitude secreting more byssal threads and exhibiting greater byssal breaking force and plaque adhesion strength,while the Fuding(FD)population located at the lowest latitude had the weakest byssal attachment.The observed differentiation in private alleles and byssus phenotypes might suggest that the three wild populations have experienced different environmental selective pressures.This study provides insight for future genetic enhancement programs aimed at improving byssus attachment in M.coruscus.展开更多
[Objective]Implementation of the Ten-Year Fishing Ban policy may alter fish diversity and niche characteristics of dominant species in spawning grounds within the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in t...[Objective]Implementation of the Ten-Year Fishing Ban policy may alter fish diversity and niche characteristics of dominant species in spawning grounds within the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in the Upper Yangtze River.This study initiated continuous monitoring of natural spawning habitats from February 2022 to assess these ecological changes.[Methods]Environmental DNA(eDNA)metabarcoding was employed to analyze fish species composition,biodiversity patterns,and niche parameters of dominant species.Water sampling followed the CEN/TS 19461 standard across five monitoring transects(ZT1-ZT5).[Results]The eDNA analysis detected 45 species of fish belonging to 38 genera,13 families,and 3 orders were detected through environmental DNA(eDNA)in this survey,including 10 species endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River,such as Procypris rabaudi and Myxocyprinus asiaticus.The fish community was mainly composed of bottom-dwelling,settling ovum-producing,omnivorous fish.The variation ranges of the Chao1 index,ACE index,Shannon index,and Simpson index are 736~996,719~965,1.58~3.23,and 0.83~0.99,respectively,indicating that fish species in spawning sites are abundant and community distribution uniformity is high.All indexes are highest at ZT1 monitoring points.Cluster analysis showed that,at a certain similarity level,fish community types in spawning sites could be basically divided into two groups:ZT1,ZT3,and ZT5 clustered together,and ZT2 and ZT4 clustered together,indicating similar fish community habitats.There are 9 dominant fish species in typical deep pool habitats in the reserve,with niche widths(Bi)ranging from 1.13 to 3.87.The dominant fish species are broad and medium niche fish,such as Cyprinus carpio and Hemiculter tchangi,with the niche overlap index(Oik)of some dominant fish species reaching more than 0.95.This indicates fierce competition for resources among the fish in this spawning ground.[Conclusion]The Zhutuo spawning ground demonstrates high species richness with homogeneous community structure and intense resource competition.This study establishes an eDNA-based monitoring framework that enhances conventional survey method,providing critical baseline data for adaptive management under the fishing moratorium regime.展开更多
Topographic complexity supports the maintenance of a high diversity of microhabitats,which may act as important‘safe havens’-or microrefugia-for biodiversity.Microrefugia are sites with specific environmental condit...Topographic complexity supports the maintenance of a high diversity of microhabitats,which may act as important‘safe havens’-or microrefugia-for biodiversity.Microrefugia are sites with specific environmental conditions that facilitate the persistence of species during environmental changes and exhibit unique ecoevolutionary dynamics.However,our knowledge about how topographic complexity and related ecoevolutionary selective forces influence the functional and phylogenetic signatures of species assemblages in microrefugia is very limited.Although the conceptual framework on the systematic integration of plant functional traits into the study of refugia is well established,more empirical studies on functional trait composition and functional diversity in refugia are urgently needed for more effective conservation.Here we analyzed the distribution of various plant functional traits and phylogenetic patterns in microhabitats(south-and north-facing slopes,and bottoms)of 30 large topographic depressions(i.e.doline microrefugia)and microhabitats of the surrounding plateaus in two distant forested karst regions.We found that plant assemblages in the understory of dolines and their surroundings are characterized by unique functional values and combinations of traits.Doline bottoms had the highest functional diversity among doline microhabitats and supported plant assemblages with considerably different trait compositions from the plateaus.Bottoms also had the highest phylogenetic diversity.These results suggest that topographic complexity in forested dolines has a significant effect on the distribution of plant functional traits in the understory.High functional and phylogenetic diversity in doline bottoms can have important consequences for the long-term survival of plant populations,highlighting that these microhabitats may provide a higher resilience and support an adaptive community-level response to natural and anthropogenic stressors.Understanding mechanisms that drive the survival of species within microrefugia is required to determine the best conservation and management strategies.展开更多
Mountains serve as exceptional natural laboratories for studying biodiversity due to their heterogeneous landforms and climatic zones.The Himalaya,a global biodiversity hotspot,hosts rich endemic flora,supports vital ...Mountains serve as exceptional natural laboratories for studying biodiversity due to their heterogeneous landforms and climatic zones.The Himalaya,a global biodiversity hotspot,hosts rich endemic flora,supports vital ecosystem functions,and offers a unique window into multifaceted plant diversity patterns.This review synthesizes research on Himalayan plant diversity,including species,phylogenetic,functional,and genetic dimensions,highlighting knowledge gaps and solutions.Research on Himalayan plant diversity has developed significantly.However,gaps remain,especially in studies on phylogenetic and functional diversity.The region's vegetation ranges from tropical rainforests to alpine ecosystems,with species richness typically following a hump-shaped distribution along elevation gradients.The eastern Himalaya exhibits higher plant diversity than the central and western regions.Low-elevation communities were found to be more functionally diverse,whereas high-elevation communities displayed greater ecological specialization.Communities at mid-elevations tend to show greater phylogenetic diversity than those at higher and lower elevations.The eastern and western flanks of the Himalaya retain high levels of genetic diversity and serve as glacial refugia,whereas the central region acts as a hybrid zone for closely related species.Himalayan plant diversity is shaped by historical,climatic,ecological and anthropogenic factors across space and time.However,this rich biodiversity is increasingly threatened by environmental change and growing anthropogenic pressures.Unfortunately,research efforts are constrained by spatial biases and the lack of transnational initiatives and collaborative studies,which could significantly benefit from interdisciplinary approaches,and other coordinated actions.These efforts are vital to safeguarding the Himalayan natural heritage.展开更多
The authors regret that an error occurred during the preparation of their article:One of the official databases,which was used for functional trait collections,contained an incorrect term–'chametophytes'–for...The authors regret that an error occurred during the preparation of their article:One of the official databases,which was used for functional trait collections,contained an incorrect term–'chametophytes'–for the life form category'chamaephytes'.Unfortunately,this incorrect term was used throughout the article following the nomenclature of this official database:in one instance in the main text,in Fig.3 and its caption,in Fig.5,and in two instances in the supplementary material.展开更多
On the morning of May 31st,the parallel forum"Seeking Harmony without Uniformity in Mutual Learning:Diversity of Civilisations from the Sinologists'Perspective"was held in Dunhuang.The forum was hosted b...On the morning of May 31st,the parallel forum"Seeking Harmony without Uniformity in Mutual Learning:Diversity of Civilisations from the Sinologists'Perspective"was held in Dunhuang.The forum was hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and organised by Beijing Language and Culture University.Leading Sinologists and Chinese culture researchers from Europe,Asia and Latin America gathered to discuss the theme of civilisational diversity and explore pathways for coexistence and mutual enrichment.展开更多
Red anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) granular sludge (AnGS) has been reported insuccessfully operating Anammox systems, and its color is associated with sludge activity.However, in long-term operating systems, An...Red anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) granular sludge (AnGS) has been reported insuccessfully operating Anammox systems, and its color is associated with sludge activity.However, in long-term operating systems, AnGS exhibits different sensory colors, physicalstructures, community structures, and denitrification performance, but the relationship betweenthem has not yet been elucidated.The AnGS of the Anammox system, which has beenin operation for more than a decade, can be divided into twomain categories: red and white.The specific Anammox activity (SAA) in conventional red AnGS increased continuously asthe particle size increased from <0.51 mm to 6.02 ± 0.84 mm. The SAA of white AnGS wereslightly lower than those of red AnGS with similarly-size granules but significantly higherthan AnGS with smaller red granules. Compared with red AnGS, the extracellular polymericsubstances of white AnGS were significantly reduced,mainly due to the higher intracellulariron content, resulting in lower heme c concentration. Thus, heme c may prove not to bean evaluative tool for measuring Anammox activity. Red and white AnGS, whether throughself-aggregation or adsorption by hydroxyl apatite and other carriers, will face the fate ofinternal voids during particle size growth. White AnGS exhibited amore complex microbialcommunity than red AnGS. Candidatus Brocadia was abundant in red AnGS and the abundanceincreased with increasing granule size. Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Jetteniamade significant contributions to denitrification in white AnGS. This study provides a newperspective on particle selection for anammox engineering applications.展开更多
The acceleration of global urbanization has caused habitat loss,fragmentation,and decrease of habitat quality,often leading to a decline in biodiversity.However,most previous urbanization studies focused on taxonomic ...The acceleration of global urbanization has caused habitat loss,fragmentation,and decrease of habitat quality,often leading to a decline in biodiversity.However,most previous urbanization studies focused on taxonomic diversity,with relatively less research on functional and phylogenetic diversity.In this study,we examined the phylogenetic and functional diversity and underlying influencing factors of bird communities in 37 urban parks in Nanjing,China.We conducted a systematic survey of bird communities in Nanjing urban parks and selected six park characteristics that are generally considered to affect bird diversity.Model selection based on corrected Akaike Information Criterion(AICc)and model averaging showed that park area,habitat diversity and building index(a proxy for the degree of urbanization)were significant factors affecting avian phylogenetic and functional diversity in Nanjing urban parks.Specifically,habitat diversity and park area were positively correlated with bird diversity,while the building index was negatively correlated with bird diversity.Moreover,the phylogenetic and functional structures of urban bird communities exhibited a clustered pattern,indicating that environmental filtering might play a role in shaping community composition.In addition,building index had certain impact on the construction of bird phylogenetic communities in urban parks.Our results suggest that expanding park areas,increasing habitat diversity and reducing building indexes may be effective measures to increase the avian phylogenetic and functional diversity in our system.展开更多
[Objectives]To explore biodiversity characteristics of Yuncheng Salt Lake and provide protection countermeasures.[Methods]According to the field survey data of 978 plant quadrats and cluster analysis,species diversity...[Objectives]To explore biodiversity characteristics of Yuncheng Salt Lake and provide protection countermeasures.[Methods]According to the field survey data of 978 plant quadrats and cluster analysis,species diversity indicators such as Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener index were selected to deeply explore the structure and diversity characteristics of higher plant communities in Yuncheng Salt Lake.[Results]There were 117 species belonging to 97 genera and 35 families of higher plants in Yuncheng Salt Lake,of which Asteraceae and Gramineae were dominant families,and the North Temperate Distribution Genus accounted for 27.35%of the total genera;according to profile coefficient method,the optimal cluster number was 7,which was divided into 7 plant community types,including Artemisia capillaris community and Suaeda glauca(Bunge)community;the Lolium perenne community was the highest(d=2.537),the Artemisia scoparia community was the best(E=0.658),the Suaeda salsa(L.)Pall community was the lowest(H′=1.779),and the spatial distribution of species showed a significant aggregation pattern.[Conclusions]We put forward some countermeasures for biodiversity protection,including constructing dynamic monitoring system,implementing adaptive management strategy and promoting multi-party collaborative governance,so as to provide scientific theoretical basis and practical guidance for ecological restoration and sustainable development of Yuncheng Salt Lake.展开更多
Mountains are important reservoirs of biodiversity and endemism on a global scale, but little is known about the altitudinal configuration of this diversity and its driving factors in arid mountains. We explored varia...Mountains are important reservoirs of biodiversity and endemism on a global scale, but little is known about the altitudinal configuration of this diversity and its driving factors in arid mountains. We explored variations in composition, diversity, cover,and life forms of vascular plants along a complete altitudinal gradient(1300-4000 m a.s.l) in Sierra de Velasco, an arid mountain in northwestern Argentina.We evaluated the influence of environmental variables on plant diversity and cover. Field sampling was conducted in the northern sector of the Sa. de Velasco,on the western slope in eight 50 m wide altitudinal bands at 400 m elevation intervals. We used rectangular plots(20 × 4 m;n:10/altitudinal band) to register the vascular plants of all the growth forms, and linear transects(20 m long.;n:30/altitudinal band) to quantify the vegetation cover using the point intercept method. Diversity was calculated using hill numbers.Data analysis included non-metric multidimensional scaling(NMDS), indicator species analysis,generalized linear models(GLMs), and variance partitioning analysis. A total of 232 species from 51families and 158 genera were registered. Species composition showed greater similarity at intermediate elevations. Plant diversity and cover exhibited a unimodal distribution, peaking at intermediate elevations(2100-2500 m). In contrast, life forms' distribution showed divergent patterns. Therophytes and succulents predominated at low altitudes,phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes at medium altitudes, and chamaephytes and geophytes at high altitudes. The altitudinal patterns of plant diversity and cover were primarily driven by climatic factors.Conservation efforts in the Sierra de Velasco should focus on the middle and upper zones due to their high biodiversity and vulnerability to climate change.展开更多
Understanding how and why assemblage dissimilarity changes along spatial gradient is a great challenge in ecology,because answers to these questions depend on the analytical types,dimensions,and components of beta div...Understanding how and why assemblage dissimilarity changes along spatial gradient is a great challenge in ecology,because answers to these questions depend on the analytical types,dimensions,and components of beta diversity we concerned.To obtain a comprehensive understanding of assemblage dissimilarity and its implications for biodiversity conservation in the Himalayas,we explored the elevational patterns and determinants of beta diversity and its turnover and nestedness components of pairwise and multiple types and taxonomic and phylogenetic dimensions simultaneously.Patterns of beta diversity and their components of different types and dimensions were calculated based on 96 sampling quadrats along an 1800-5400 m elevational gradient.We examined whether and how these patterns differed from random expectations using null models.Furthermore,we used random forest methods to quantify the role of environmental variables representing climate,topography,and human disturbance in determining these patterns.We found that beta diversity and its turnover component,regardless of its types and dimensions,shown a hump-shaped elevational patterns.Both pairwise and multiple phylogenetic beta diversity were remarkably lower than their taxonomic counterpart.These patterns were significantly less than random expectation and were mostly associated with climate variables.In summary,our results suggested that assemblage dissimilarity of seed plants was mostly originate from the replacement of closely related species determined by climate-driven environmental filtering.Accordingly,conservation efforts should better cover elevations with different climate types to maximalize biodiversity conservation,rather than only focus on elevations with highest species richness.Our study demonstrated that comparisons of beta diversity of different types,dimensions,and components could be conductive to consensus on the origin and mechanism of assemblage dissimilarity.展开更多
Understanding the evolutionary processes that influence the distribution of genetic diversity in natural populations is a key issue in evolutionary biology. Both species' distribution ranges and environmental grad...Understanding the evolutionary processes that influence the distribution of genetic diversity in natural populations is a key issue in evolutionary biology. Both species' distribution ranges and environmental gradients can influence this diversity through mechanisms such as gene flow, selection, and genetic drift. To explore how these forces interact, we assessed neutral and adaptive genetic variation in three widely distributed and two narrowly distributed bird species co-occurring along the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia, Colombia—a region of pronounced environmental heterogeneity. We sampled individuals across eight sites spanning the canyon's gradient and analyzed genetic diversity and structure using microsatellites and toll-like receptors (TLRs), a gene family involved in innate immunity. Widely distributed species consistently exhibited higher genetic diversity at both marker types compared to their narrowly distributed counterparts. Although we did not find a significant relationship between microsatellite heterozygosity and TLR heterozygosity, we evidenced a negative trend for widely distributed species and a positive trend for narrowly distributed species. This result suggests that there is a stronger effect of genetic drift in narrowly distributed species. Our results highlight the role of distribution range in maintaining genetic diversity and suggest that environmental gradients, by interacting with gene flow and selection, may influence patterns of adaptive variation.展开更多
Understanding plant diversity within geographical ranges and identifying key species that drive community variation can provide crucial insights for the management of grasslands.However,the contribution of both local ...Understanding plant diversity within geographical ranges and identifying key species that drive community variation can provide crucial insights for the management of grasslands.However,the contribution of both local sites and plant species to beta diversity in grassland ecosystems has yet to be accurately assessed.This study applied the ecological uniqueness approach to examine both local contributions to beta diversity(LCBD)and species contributions to beta diversity(SCBD)across six major geographical ranges in alpine grasslands.We found that LCBD was driven by species turnover,with climate,plant communities,and their interactions influencing LCBD across spatial scales.LCBD values were high in areas with low evapotranspiration,high rainfall variability,and low species and functional richness.Precipitation seasonality predicted large-scale LCBD dynamics,while plant community abundance explained local LCBD variation.In addition,we found that SCBD were confined to species with moderate occupancy,although these species contributed less to plant biological traits.Our findings are crucial for understanding how ecological characteristics influence plant beta diversity in grasslands and how it responds to environmental and community factors.In addition,these findings have successfully identified key sites and priority plants for conservation,indicating that using standardized quadrats can support the assessment of the ecological uniqueness in grassland ecosystems.We hope these insights will inform the development of conservation strategies,thereby supporting regional plant diversity and resisting vegetation homogenization.展开更多
Hibiscus Linn.,an angiosperm genus belonging to Malvaceae,Malvales,is mainly distributed in tropic and subtropic regions.Numerous species within the Hibiscus genus exhibit large and visually appealing flowers that are...Hibiscus Linn.,an angiosperm genus belonging to Malvaceae,Malvales,is mainly distributed in tropic and subtropic regions.Numerous species within the Hibiscus genus exhibit large and visually appealing flowers that are highly prized for their ornamental beauty and enjoy widespread admiration.For instance,H.syriacus serves as the national flower of South Korea,H.rosa-sinensis is favored as the floral emblem of Malaysia,and Chengdu city has earned the moniker"City of H.mutabilis"owing to its substantial cultivation.展开更多
The relation between conflict and governance has been dominated by type of government rather than by system of government.With increasing conflict in countries with ethnic and religious diversity,the debate has gradua...The relation between conflict and governance has been dominated by type of government rather than by system of government.With increasing conflict in countries with ethnic and religious diversity,the debate has gradually shifted to understand better the link between conflict and system of government.There is a growing evidence that suggests federal system performs better than unitary system in managing diversity and reducing conflict.Decentralization is even seen to be more effective than federal system not only in managing diversity and reducing conflict but also in delivering public goods.This article provides an account of evolution of system of government in South Sudan.It finds a clear association of centralized unitary system with violent conflict and a relative peace during period of decentralized government or federal system.A decentralized federal system may be appropriate for South Sudan in managing diversity and mitigating conflict.Despite the popular demand by their citizens for a federal system to manage diversity and reduce violent conflict,the ruling elites in the post-independent South Sudan adopted instead an autocratic centralized unitary system that contributed among other factors to the persistent violent conflicts,erosion of social cohesion,and rising mistrust between state and citizens and between and among the communities of South Sudan.展开更多
基金supported by Innovation Scientists and Technicians Troop Construction Projects of Henan Province(Grant No.212101510003)the Central Plains Scholar Workstation Project(Grant No.224400510002)+1 种基金the Youth Science Foundation of Henan Province(Grant No.202300410136)the Experimental Development Foundation of Henan University of Science and Technology(Grant No.SY2324004)。
文摘Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.is an endemic shrub flower in China with 2n=10.This study used 228 cultivars from four populations,i.e.,Jiangnan,Japan,Northwest,and Zhongyuan,as materials to explore the genetic diversity levels among different populations of tree peony varieties.The results showed that 34 bands were amplified using five pairs of cp SSR primers,with an average of 6.8 bands per primer pair.The average number of different alleles(N_(a)),effective alleles(N_(e)),Shannon's information index(I),diversity(H),and polymorphic information content(PIC)were 3.600,2.053,0.708,0.433,and 0.388,respectively.The PIC value was between 0.250 and 0.500,indicating a moderate level of polymorphism for the five cp SSR primer pairs.The genetic diversity levels of peony cultivars varied among different populations,with the Northwest population showing relatively lower levels(I=0.590,H=0.289,and PIC=0.263).A total of 52 haplotypes were identified in the four examined populations,and the number of haplotypes per population ranged from 11 to 22.Forty-four private haplotypes were detected across populations,and the Northwest population exhibiting the highest count of private haplotypes with 17.The mean number of effective number of haplotypes(N_(eh)),haplotypic richness(R_(h)),and diversity(H)were 8.351,6.824,and 0.893,respectively.Analysis of molecular variance indicated that genetic variation within tree peony germplasm was greater than that between germplasm resources,and the main variation was found within individuals of peony germplasm.Cluster analysis,principal coordinate analysis,and genetic structure analysis classified tree peonies from different origins into two groups,indicating a certain degree of genetic differentiation among these four tree peony cultivation groups.This study provides a theoretical basis for the exploration,utilization,and conservation of peony germplasm resources,as well as for research on the breeding of excellent varieties.
基金supported by the Southwest Minzu University Research Startup Funds (No.16011221038,RQD2022021)Double World-Class Project (No.CX2023010)。
文摘Wetland degradation is an escalating global challenge with profound impacts on animal diversity,particularly during successional processes.Birds,as highly mobile and environmentally sensitive organisms,serve as effective indicators of ecological change.While previous studies have primarily focused on local community structures and species diversity during a specific season,there is a need to extend the research timeframe and explore broader spatial variations.Additionally,expanding from simple species diversity indices to more multidimensional diversity indices would provide a more comprehensive understanding of wetland health and resilience.To address these gaps,we investigated the effects of wetland degradation on bird diversity across taxonomic,phylogenetic,and functional dimensions in the Zoige Wetland,a plateau meadow wetland biodiversity hotspot.Surveys were conducted during both breeding(summer)and overwintering(winter)seasons across 20 transects in 5 sampling areas,representing 4 degradation levels(pristine,low,medium,and high).Our study recorded a total of 106 bird species from 32 families and 14 orders,revealing distinct seasonal patterns in bird community composition and diversity.Biodiversity indices were significantly higher in pristine and low-degraded wetlands,particularly benefiting waterfowl(Anseriformes,Ciconiiformes)and wading birds(Charadriiformes)in winter,when these areas provided superior food resources and habitat conditions.In contrast,medium and highly degraded wetlands supported increased numbers of terrestrial birds(Passeriformes)and raptors(Accipitriformes,Falconiformes).Seasonal differences in taxonomic,phylogenetic,and functional diversity indices highlighted the contrasting ecological roles of wetlands during breeding and overwintering periods.Furthermore,indicator species analysis revealed key species associated with specific degradation levels and seasons,providing valuable insights into wetland health.This study underscores the importance of spatiotemporal dynamics in understanding avian responses to wetland degradation.By linking seasonal patterns of bird diversity to habitat conditions,our findings contribute to conservation efforts and provide a framework for assessing wetland degradation and its ecological impacts.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32370703)the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)(2022-I2M-1-021,2021-I2M-1-061)the Major Project of Guangzhou National Labora-tory(GZNL2024A01015).
文摘Viral infectious diseases,characterized by their intricate nature and wide-ranging diversity,pose substantial challenges in the domain of data management.The vast volume of data generated by these diseases,spanning from the molecular mechanisms within cells to large-scale epidemiological patterns,has surpassed the capabilities of traditional analytical methods.In the era of artificial intelligence(AI)and big data,there is an urgent necessity for the optimization of these analytical methods to more effectively handle and utilize the information.Despite the rapid accumulation of data associated with viral infections,the lack of a comprehensive framework for integrating,selecting,and analyzing these datasets has left numerous researchers uncertain about which data to select,how to access it,and how to utilize it most effectively in their research.This review endeavors to fill these gaps by exploring the multifaceted nature of viral infectious diseases and summarizing relevant data across multiple levels,from the molecular details of pathogens to broad epidemiological trends.The scope extends from the micro-scale to the macro-scale,encompassing pathogens,hosts,and vectors.In addition to data summarization,this review thoroughly investigates various dataset sources.It also traces the historical evolution of data collection in the field of viral infectious diseases,highlighting the progress achieved over time.Simultaneously,it evaluates the current limitations that impede data utilization.Furthermore,we propose strategies to surmount these challenges,focusing on the development and application of advanced computational techniques,AI-driven models,and enhanced data integration practices.By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge,this review is designed to guide future research and contribute to more informed approaches in the surveillance,prevention,and control of viral infectious diseases,particularly within the context of the expanding big-data landscape.
基金Supported by the Regional Innovation Development Joint Fund Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U20A2087)the Shiptime Sharing Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42249911)。
文摘Marine fish diversity in the Beibu Gulf from 2014 to 2022 was analyzed,using various methods including at-sea fisheries resource surveys,fishing port surveys,underwater survey techniques,and data from literature,books,and databases,from which 1059 fish species across 40 orders,166 families,and 503 genera were identified.Among them,Acanthuriformes displayed the highest diversity,followed by Carangiformes and Perciformes.Notably,eight alien species were found in the Beibu Gulf.The International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN)Red List assessment revealed 51threatened species,primarily cartilaginous fish.Taxonomic changes affected 88.70%of species due to classification adjustments,misidentifications,and junior synonymy.This study contributed new data of the gulf,including one additional order,six new families,34 new genera,and 81 new species,emphasizing the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems.Fish diversity in the gulf was relatively lower than the broader South China Sea,attributed to limited habitats and survey methods.Different survey methods,such as gill nets,trap nets,and underwater cameras,yielded varying results.Ocean currents may have transported deep-sea species into the Beibu Gulf,leading to accidental records.Research gaps exist in unexplored areas,warranting further investigation.Therefore,the Beibu Gulf hosts significant marine biodiversity,but taxonomic challenges and undiscovered species require new research and conservation efforts.
文摘The mussel is one of the main cultivated species in the world.A significant challenge faced by suspension-cultured mussels is the high incidence of mussel fall-off from cultivation ropes,adversely impacting harvest yields,which have been documented at commercial mussel farms in the United Kingdom,the United States of America,Canada,Spain,New Zealand and China.Byssus is an important attachment structure for marine mussels,and weakness in byssal thread attachment is a major factor leading to mussel detachment from ropes.To investigate the relationship between genetic variability and byssal thread phenotypic characteristics in the hard-shelled mussel(Mytilus coruscus),we collected three wild populations of M.coruscus from different latitudes in the East China Sea,including the Shengsi(SS),Jiaojiang(JJ),and Fuding(FD)populations.The genetic diversity and structure of these populations were investigated using 10 microsatellite loci.The mean observed heterozygosity(Ho)in the SS population was 0.44,higher than the mean Ho values of the JJ(0.40)and FD(0.39)populations.The mean inbreeding coefficients(F_(is))in the SS population was 0.20,lower than the mean F_(is)values of the JJ(0.33)and FD populations(0.40).These results revealed that the SS population exhibited higher genetic diversity compared to the other two populations.The different numbers of private alleles(P_(a))in the three populations,ranging from 10 to 17,suggest that these populations have experienced selective pressures from various environments.Moreover,genetic differentiation was observed in the genetic distance between the SS population and the other two populations.We also examined the phenotypic characteristics of their byssal threads.There were significant differences in byssus attachment strength among the three populations,with the SS population located at the highest latitude secreting more byssal threads and exhibiting greater byssal breaking force and plaque adhesion strength,while the Fuding(FD)population located at the lowest latitude had the weakest byssal attachment.The observed differentiation in private alleles and byssus phenotypes might suggest that the three wild populations have experienced different environmental selective pressures.This study provides insight for future genetic enhancement programs aimed at improving byssus attachment in M.coruscus.
文摘[Objective]Implementation of the Ten-Year Fishing Ban policy may alter fish diversity and niche characteristics of dominant species in spawning grounds within the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in the Upper Yangtze River.This study initiated continuous monitoring of natural spawning habitats from February 2022 to assess these ecological changes.[Methods]Environmental DNA(eDNA)metabarcoding was employed to analyze fish species composition,biodiversity patterns,and niche parameters of dominant species.Water sampling followed the CEN/TS 19461 standard across five monitoring transects(ZT1-ZT5).[Results]The eDNA analysis detected 45 species of fish belonging to 38 genera,13 families,and 3 orders were detected through environmental DNA(eDNA)in this survey,including 10 species endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River,such as Procypris rabaudi and Myxocyprinus asiaticus.The fish community was mainly composed of bottom-dwelling,settling ovum-producing,omnivorous fish.The variation ranges of the Chao1 index,ACE index,Shannon index,and Simpson index are 736~996,719~965,1.58~3.23,and 0.83~0.99,respectively,indicating that fish species in spawning sites are abundant and community distribution uniformity is high.All indexes are highest at ZT1 monitoring points.Cluster analysis showed that,at a certain similarity level,fish community types in spawning sites could be basically divided into two groups:ZT1,ZT3,and ZT5 clustered together,and ZT2 and ZT4 clustered together,indicating similar fish community habitats.There are 9 dominant fish species in typical deep pool habitats in the reserve,with niche widths(Bi)ranging from 1.13 to 3.87.The dominant fish species are broad and medium niche fish,such as Cyprinus carpio and Hemiculter tchangi,with the niche overlap index(Oik)of some dominant fish species reaching more than 0.95.This indicates fierce competition for resources among the fish in this spawning ground.[Conclusion]The Zhutuo spawning ground demonstrates high species richness with homogeneous community structure and intense resource competition.This study establishes an eDNA-based monitoring framework that enhances conventional survey method,providing critical baseline data for adaptive management under the fishing moratorium regime.
基金funded by the National Research,Development and Innovation Office(NKFIH FK 142428 grant)The contribution of Z.B.was supported by the János Bolyai Research Scholarship of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and by the New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research,Development and Innovation Fund(ÚNKP-23-5-SZTE-697)+2 种基金K.F.was supported by the New National Excellence Program of the Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research,Development and Innovation Fund(ÚNKP-23-3-SZTE-441)C.T.was supported by the NKFIH K 146137 grantA.E-V.was supported by the long-term research development project of the Czech Academy of Sciences(RVO 67985939).
文摘Topographic complexity supports the maintenance of a high diversity of microhabitats,which may act as important‘safe havens’-or microrefugia-for biodiversity.Microrefugia are sites with specific environmental conditions that facilitate the persistence of species during environmental changes and exhibit unique ecoevolutionary dynamics.However,our knowledge about how topographic complexity and related ecoevolutionary selective forces influence the functional and phylogenetic signatures of species assemblages in microrefugia is very limited.Although the conceptual framework on the systematic integration of plant functional traits into the study of refugia is well established,more empirical studies on functional trait composition and functional diversity in refugia are urgently needed for more effective conservation.Here we analyzed the distribution of various plant functional traits and phylogenetic patterns in microhabitats(south-and north-facing slopes,and bottoms)of 30 large topographic depressions(i.e.doline microrefugia)and microhabitats of the surrounding plateaus in two distant forested karst regions.We found that plant assemblages in the understory of dolines and their surroundings are characterized by unique functional values and combinations of traits.Doline bottoms had the highest functional diversity among doline microhabitats and supported plant assemblages with considerably different trait compositions from the plateaus.Bottoms also had the highest phylogenetic diversity.These results suggest that topographic complexity in forested dolines has a significant effect on the distribution of plant functional traits in the understory.High functional and phylogenetic diversity in doline bottoms can have important consequences for the long-term survival of plant populations,highlighting that these microhabitats may provide a higher resilience and support an adaptive community-level response to natural and anthropogenic stressors.Understanding mechanisms that drive the survival of species within microrefugia is required to determine the best conservation and management strategies.
基金funded by the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences,CAS(ZDBS-LY-7001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170398,42211540718,W2433074,32071541)+6 种基金the CAS“Light of West China”Programthe Xingdian Talent Support Program of Yunnan Province(XDYC-QNRC-2022-0026)the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan(202201AT070222)the Fund of Yunnan Key Laboratory of Crop Wild Relatives Omics(CWR-2024-04)funding from the China Scholarship Council(202304910135,202304910138)for their oneyear study at the University of Toronto,Canadathe Pakistan Science Foundation&NSFC for the joint venture under the project(PSF-NSFC/JSEP/BIO/COAU(04))surpported by the Innovation Program of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission(2023ZKZD36).
文摘Mountains serve as exceptional natural laboratories for studying biodiversity due to their heterogeneous landforms and climatic zones.The Himalaya,a global biodiversity hotspot,hosts rich endemic flora,supports vital ecosystem functions,and offers a unique window into multifaceted plant diversity patterns.This review synthesizes research on Himalayan plant diversity,including species,phylogenetic,functional,and genetic dimensions,highlighting knowledge gaps and solutions.Research on Himalayan plant diversity has developed significantly.However,gaps remain,especially in studies on phylogenetic and functional diversity.The region's vegetation ranges from tropical rainforests to alpine ecosystems,with species richness typically following a hump-shaped distribution along elevation gradients.The eastern Himalaya exhibits higher plant diversity than the central and western regions.Low-elevation communities were found to be more functionally diverse,whereas high-elevation communities displayed greater ecological specialization.Communities at mid-elevations tend to show greater phylogenetic diversity than those at higher and lower elevations.The eastern and western flanks of the Himalaya retain high levels of genetic diversity and serve as glacial refugia,whereas the central region acts as a hybrid zone for closely related species.Himalayan plant diversity is shaped by historical,climatic,ecological and anthropogenic factors across space and time.However,this rich biodiversity is increasingly threatened by environmental change and growing anthropogenic pressures.Unfortunately,research efforts are constrained by spatial biases and the lack of transnational initiatives and collaborative studies,which could significantly benefit from interdisciplinary approaches,and other coordinated actions.These efforts are vital to safeguarding the Himalayan natural heritage.
文摘The authors regret that an error occurred during the preparation of their article:One of the official databases,which was used for functional trait collections,contained an incorrect term–'chametophytes'–for the life form category'chamaephytes'.Unfortunately,this incorrect term was used throughout the article following the nomenclature of this official database:in one instance in the main text,in Fig.3 and its caption,in Fig.5,and in two instances in the supplementary material.
文摘On the morning of May 31st,the parallel forum"Seeking Harmony without Uniformity in Mutual Learning:Diversity of Civilisations from the Sinologists'Perspective"was held in Dunhuang.The forum was hosted by the Chinese Association for International Understanding and organised by Beijing Language and Culture University.Leading Sinologists and Chinese culture researchers from Europe,Asia and Latin America gathered to discuss the theme of civilisational diversity and explore pathways for coexistence and mutual enrichment.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Programme of China(No.2023YFC3206903)the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51938010)the Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu Province(No.SJCX23_1717).
文摘Red anaerobic ammonia oxidation (Anammox) granular sludge (AnGS) has been reported insuccessfully operating Anammox systems, and its color is associated with sludge activity.However, in long-term operating systems, AnGS exhibits different sensory colors, physicalstructures, community structures, and denitrification performance, but the relationship betweenthem has not yet been elucidated.The AnGS of the Anammox system, which has beenin operation for more than a decade, can be divided into twomain categories: red and white.The specific Anammox activity (SAA) in conventional red AnGS increased continuously asthe particle size increased from <0.51 mm to 6.02 ± 0.84 mm. The SAA of white AnGS wereslightly lower than those of red AnGS with similarly-size granules but significantly higherthan AnGS with smaller red granules. Compared with red AnGS, the extracellular polymericsubstances of white AnGS were significantly reduced,mainly due to the higher intracellulariron content, resulting in lower heme c concentration. Thus, heme c may prove not to bean evaluative tool for measuring Anammox activity. Red and white AnGS, whether throughself-aggregation or adsorption by hydroxyl apatite and other carriers, will face the fate ofinternal voids during particle size growth. White AnGS exhibited amore complex microbialcommunity than red AnGS. Candidatus Brocadia was abundant in red AnGS and the abundanceincreased with increasing granule size. Candidatus Kuenenia and Candidatus Jetteniamade significant contributions to denitrification in white AnGS. This study provides a newperspective on particle selection for anammox engineering applications.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32271734)。
文摘The acceleration of global urbanization has caused habitat loss,fragmentation,and decrease of habitat quality,often leading to a decline in biodiversity.However,most previous urbanization studies focused on taxonomic diversity,with relatively less research on functional and phylogenetic diversity.In this study,we examined the phylogenetic and functional diversity and underlying influencing factors of bird communities in 37 urban parks in Nanjing,China.We conducted a systematic survey of bird communities in Nanjing urban parks and selected six park characteristics that are generally considered to affect bird diversity.Model selection based on corrected Akaike Information Criterion(AICc)and model averaging showed that park area,habitat diversity and building index(a proxy for the degree of urbanization)were significant factors affecting avian phylogenetic and functional diversity in Nanjing urban parks.Specifically,habitat diversity and park area were positively correlated with bird diversity,while the building index was negatively correlated with bird diversity.Moreover,the phylogenetic and functional structures of urban bird communities exhibited a clustered pattern,indicating that environmental filtering might play a role in shaping community composition.In addition,building index had certain impact on the construction of bird phylogenetic communities in urban parks.Our results suggest that expanding park areas,increasing habitat diversity and reducing building indexes may be effective measures to increase the avian phylogenetic and functional diversity in our system.
基金Supported by Central Guiding Local Science and Technology Development Fund Project Free Exploration Basic Research(YDZJSX20231A002)Yuncheng Salt Lake Ecological Environment Background Investigation and Research Project.
文摘[Objectives]To explore biodiversity characteristics of Yuncheng Salt Lake and provide protection countermeasures.[Methods]According to the field survey data of 978 plant quadrats and cluster analysis,species diversity indicators such as Margalef richness index and Shannon-Wiener index were selected to deeply explore the structure and diversity characteristics of higher plant communities in Yuncheng Salt Lake.[Results]There were 117 species belonging to 97 genera and 35 families of higher plants in Yuncheng Salt Lake,of which Asteraceae and Gramineae were dominant families,and the North Temperate Distribution Genus accounted for 27.35%of the total genera;according to profile coefficient method,the optimal cluster number was 7,which was divided into 7 plant community types,including Artemisia capillaris community and Suaeda glauca(Bunge)community;the Lolium perenne community was the highest(d=2.537),the Artemisia scoparia community was the best(E=0.658),the Suaeda salsa(L.)Pall community was the lowest(H′=1.779),and the spatial distribution of species showed a significant aggregation pattern.[Conclusions]We put forward some countermeasures for biodiversity protection,including constructing dynamic monitoring system,implementing adaptive management strategy and promoting multi-party collaborative governance,so as to provide scientific theoretical basis and practical guidance for ecological restoration and sustainable development of Yuncheng Salt Lake.
文摘Mountains are important reservoirs of biodiversity and endemism on a global scale, but little is known about the altitudinal configuration of this diversity and its driving factors in arid mountains. We explored variations in composition, diversity, cover,and life forms of vascular plants along a complete altitudinal gradient(1300-4000 m a.s.l) in Sierra de Velasco, an arid mountain in northwestern Argentina.We evaluated the influence of environmental variables on plant diversity and cover. Field sampling was conducted in the northern sector of the Sa. de Velasco,on the western slope in eight 50 m wide altitudinal bands at 400 m elevation intervals. We used rectangular plots(20 × 4 m;n:10/altitudinal band) to register the vascular plants of all the growth forms, and linear transects(20 m long.;n:30/altitudinal band) to quantify the vegetation cover using the point intercept method. Diversity was calculated using hill numbers.Data analysis included non-metric multidimensional scaling(NMDS), indicator species analysis,generalized linear models(GLMs), and variance partitioning analysis. A total of 232 species from 51families and 158 genera were registered. Species composition showed greater similarity at intermediate elevations. Plant diversity and cover exhibited a unimodal distribution, peaking at intermediate elevations(2100-2500 m). In contrast, life forms' distribution showed divergent patterns. Therophytes and succulents predominated at low altitudes,phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes at medium altitudes, and chamaephytes and geophytes at high altitudes. The altitudinal patterns of plant diversity and cover were primarily driven by climatic factors.Conservation efforts in the Sierra de Velasco should focus on the middle and upper zones due to their high biodiversity and vulnerability to climate change.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number 31901109)Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(grant number 2021A1515110744).
文摘Understanding how and why assemblage dissimilarity changes along spatial gradient is a great challenge in ecology,because answers to these questions depend on the analytical types,dimensions,and components of beta diversity we concerned.To obtain a comprehensive understanding of assemblage dissimilarity and its implications for biodiversity conservation in the Himalayas,we explored the elevational patterns and determinants of beta diversity and its turnover and nestedness components of pairwise and multiple types and taxonomic and phylogenetic dimensions simultaneously.Patterns of beta diversity and their components of different types and dimensions were calculated based on 96 sampling quadrats along an 1800-5400 m elevational gradient.We examined whether and how these patterns differed from random expectations using null models.Furthermore,we used random forest methods to quantify the role of environmental variables representing climate,topography,and human disturbance in determining these patterns.We found that beta diversity and its turnover component,regardless of its types and dimensions,shown a hump-shaped elevational patterns.Both pairwise and multiple phylogenetic beta diversity were remarkably lower than their taxonomic counterpart.These patterns were significantly less than random expectation and were mostly associated with climate variables.In summary,our results suggested that assemblage dissimilarity of seed plants was mostly originate from the replacement of closely related species determined by climate-driven environmental filtering.Accordingly,conservation efforts should better cover elevations with different climate types to maximalize biodiversity conservation,rather than only focus on elevations with highest species richness.Our study demonstrated that comparisons of beta diversity of different types,dimensions,and components could be conductive to consensus on the origin and mechanism of assemblage dissimilarity.
基金funded by the Empresas Públicas de Medellín and Universidad de Antioquia.
文摘Understanding the evolutionary processes that influence the distribution of genetic diversity in natural populations is a key issue in evolutionary biology. Both species' distribution ranges and environmental gradients can influence this diversity through mechanisms such as gene flow, selection, and genetic drift. To explore how these forces interact, we assessed neutral and adaptive genetic variation in three widely distributed and two narrowly distributed bird species co-occurring along the Cauca River canyon in Antioquia, Colombia—a region of pronounced environmental heterogeneity. We sampled individuals across eight sites spanning the canyon's gradient and analyzed genetic diversity and structure using microsatellites and toll-like receptors (TLRs), a gene family involved in innate immunity. Widely distributed species consistently exhibited higher genetic diversity at both marker types compared to their narrowly distributed counterparts. Although we did not find a significant relationship between microsatellite heterozygosity and TLR heterozygosity, we evidenced a negative trend for widely distributed species and a positive trend for narrowly distributed species. This result suggests that there is a stronger effect of genetic drift in narrowly distributed species. Our results highlight the role of distribution range in maintaining genetic diversity and suggest that environmental gradients, by interacting with gene flow and selection, may influence patterns of adaptive variation.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFF1304302)the Qaidam basin and Qilian Mountains germplasm resources collection project(Grant No.SJCZFY2022-1-6)。
文摘Understanding plant diversity within geographical ranges and identifying key species that drive community variation can provide crucial insights for the management of grasslands.However,the contribution of both local sites and plant species to beta diversity in grassland ecosystems has yet to be accurately assessed.This study applied the ecological uniqueness approach to examine both local contributions to beta diversity(LCBD)and species contributions to beta diversity(SCBD)across six major geographical ranges in alpine grasslands.We found that LCBD was driven by species turnover,with climate,plant communities,and their interactions influencing LCBD across spatial scales.LCBD values were high in areas with low evapotranspiration,high rainfall variability,and low species and functional richness.Precipitation seasonality predicted large-scale LCBD dynamics,while plant community abundance explained local LCBD variation.In addition,we found that SCBD were confined to species with moderate occupancy,although these species contributed less to plant biological traits.Our findings are crucial for understanding how ecological characteristics influence plant beta diversity in grasslands and how it responds to environmental and community factors.In addition,these findings have successfully identified key sites and priority plants for conservation,indicating that using standardized quadrats can support the assessment of the ecological uniqueness in grassland ecosystems.We hope these insights will inform the development of conservation strategies,thereby supporting regional plant diversity and resisting vegetation homogenization.
文摘Hibiscus Linn.,an angiosperm genus belonging to Malvaceae,Malvales,is mainly distributed in tropic and subtropic regions.Numerous species within the Hibiscus genus exhibit large and visually appealing flowers that are highly prized for their ornamental beauty and enjoy widespread admiration.For instance,H.syriacus serves as the national flower of South Korea,H.rosa-sinensis is favored as the floral emblem of Malaysia,and Chengdu city has earned the moniker"City of H.mutabilis"owing to its substantial cultivation.
文摘The relation between conflict and governance has been dominated by type of government rather than by system of government.With increasing conflict in countries with ethnic and religious diversity,the debate has gradually shifted to understand better the link between conflict and system of government.There is a growing evidence that suggests federal system performs better than unitary system in managing diversity and reducing conflict.Decentralization is even seen to be more effective than federal system not only in managing diversity and reducing conflict but also in delivering public goods.This article provides an account of evolution of system of government in South Sudan.It finds a clear association of centralized unitary system with violent conflict and a relative peace during period of decentralized government or federal system.A decentralized federal system may be appropriate for South Sudan in managing diversity and mitigating conflict.Despite the popular demand by their citizens for a federal system to manage diversity and reduce violent conflict,the ruling elites in the post-independent South Sudan adopted instead an autocratic centralized unitary system that contributed among other factors to the persistent violent conflicts,erosion of social cohesion,and rising mistrust between state and citizens and between and among the communities of South Sudan.
