The largest superfamily Entomobryoidea is one of the key groups in Collembola.However,incorrect recognition of chaetotaxic homology within Entomobryoidea severely impedes the accurate species comparison of adults and ...The largest superfamily Entomobryoidea is one of the key groups in Collembola.However,incorrect recognition of chaetotaxic homology within Entomobryoidea severely impedes the accurate species comparison of adults and phylogenetic reconstruction.Traditional classification of the superfamily at suprageneric level is disputable in the light of recent advances.Transformational homology of tergal chaetotaxy was traced and revised based on 38 species of first instar and partial early instars.Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions were reconstructed mainly relying on first instar characters using both parsimony and likelihoodbased algorithms.Outgroup selection and several rogue taxa impacted on resolution and support of otherwise well-supported clades.Integrating published molecular phylogeny,a revised classification of three families and nine subfamilies was presented:Orchesellidae,Entomobryidae and Paronellidae.Orchesellidae includes all basal taxa having a short fourth abdominal segment.Cyphoderidae and Microfalculidae taxa were sunk into Paronellidae.New Paronellidae was divided into two subfamilies:Paronellinae(Paronellini+Cyphoderini+Bromacanthini)and Salininae(Cremastocephalini+Callyntrurini).Microfalculidae(Microfalcula)was closer to Salina and Akabosia and thus transferred into Cremastocephalini.This study erected a new classification framework for Entomobryoidea based upon comprehensive phylogenies.Chaetotaxic homologization across a wide range provided a standardized,comparable,powerful tool for taxonomy.展开更多
We tested the prediction that at coarse spatial scales, variables associated with climate, energy, and productivity hy- potheses should be better predictor（s） of bat species richness than those associated with envir...We tested the prediction that at coarse spatial scales, variables associated with climate, energy, and productivity hy- potheses should be better predictor（s） of bat species richness than those associated with environmental heterogeneity. Distribution ranges of 64 bat species were estimated with niche-based models informed by 3629 verified museum specimens. The influence of environmental correlates on bat richness was assessed using ordinary least squares regression （OLS）, simultaneous autoregressive models （SAR）, conditional autoregressive models （CAR）, spatial eigenvector-based filtering models （SEVM）, and Classification and Regression Trees （CART）. To test the assumption of stationarity, Geographically Weighted Regression （GWR） was used. Bat species richness was highest in the eastern parts of southern Africa, particularly in central Zimbabwe and along the western border of Mozambique. We found support for the predictions of both the habitat heterogeneity and climate/productivity/energy hypothe- ses, and as we expected, support varied among bat families and model selection. Richness patterns and predictors of Miniopteridae and Pteropodidae clearly differed from those of other bat families. Altitude range was the only independent variable that was sig- nificant in all models and it was most often the best predictor of bat richness. Standard coefficients of SAR and CAR models were similar to those of OLS models, while those of SEVM models differed. Although GWR indicated that the assumption of stationa- rity was violated, the CART analysis corroborated the findings of the curve-fitting models. Our results identify where additional data on current species ranges, and future conservation action and ecological work are needed.展开更多
Background: Prosopis species have been introduced to many areas outside their native range to provide benefits to local communities. Several Prosopis species and their hybrids(hereafter "mesquite") have, how...Background: Prosopis species have been introduced to many areas outside their native range to provide benefits to local communities. Several Prosopis species and their hybrids(hereafter "mesquite") have, however, become naturalised and invasive and now generate substantial costs. Management options are limited because of the complex conflicts of interest regarding benefits and costs. Management policies and strategies must take account of such conflicts, but further insights are needed on the dimensions of uses and impacts before such information can be usefully applied. Current policy in South Africa allows for the growth and use of mesquite in one province,but not in others where its control is mandatory. We report on a study to quantify the direct use and perceptions of non-timber forest products(NTFPs) from mesquite and native trees in South Africa.Methods: Semi-structures household interviews were conducted with various stakeholder groups to identify what tree products are used, to ascertain amounts used as well as to gauge perceptions of natural resource use between different tree species and use over time.Results: The direct household use value of native trees was higher than that of mesquite, and local stakeholders attached greater value to products from native trees than from mesquite. Therefore, native trees are and will still be preferentially harvested, and mesquite is unlikely to offer protection to native species by providing an alternative source of products. Mesquite pods do, however, provide valuable additional resources(fodder and medicinal products). The use of both native trees and mesquite is decreasing as the incomes of poorer households rise and as alternative energy sources become available. The benefits and reliance on mesquite are not as high as previously assumed and the impacts from mesquite invasions create large problems for local communities.Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that the impacts of mesquite exceed the benefits, lending support for a policy to reduce negative impacts.展开更多
Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree worldwide.The species has nearly become extinct during the Quaternary,which has likely resulted in reduction of its genetic variability.The genetic variability is now con...Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree worldwide.The species has nearly become extinct during the Quaternary,which has likely resulted in reduction of its genetic variability.The genetic variability is now conserved in few natural populations in China and a number of cultivars that are,however,derived from a few ancient trees,helping the species survive in China through medieval times.Despite the recent interest in ginkgo,however,detailed knowledge of its genetic diversity,conserved in cultivated trees and cultivars,has remained poor.This limits efficient conservation of its diversity as well as efficient use of the existing germplasm resources.Here we performed genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS)on 102 cultivated germplasms of ginkgo collected to explore their genetic structure,kinship,and inbreeding prediction.For the first time in ginkgo,a genome-wide association analysis study(GWAS)was used to attempt gene mapping of seed traits.The results showed that most of the germplasms did not show any obvious genetic relationship.The size of the ginkgo germplasm population expanded significantly around 1500 years ago during the Sui and Tang dynasties.Classification of seed cultivars based on a phylogenetic perspective does not support the current classification criteria based on phenotype.Twenty-four candidate genes were localized after performing GWAS on the seed traits.Overall,this study reveals the genetic basis of ginkgo seed traits and provides insights into its cultivation history.These findings will facilitate the conservation and utilization of the domesticated germplasms of this living fossil plant.展开更多
Aloe dichotoma (Quiver tree) occurs in the arid regions of Namaqualand and Bushman land in South Africa, and in arid regions of southern Namibia. The Quiver trees are not only threatened by agricultural expansion, ove...Aloe dichotoma (Quiver tree) occurs in the arid regions of Namaqualand and Bushman land in South Africa, and in arid regions of southern Namibia. The Quiver trees are not only threatened by agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and mining;but also by climate changes and droughts. Previous studies show that Quiver trees are very sensitive to environmental changes, and do not respond well to extreme hot and dry conditions. This study investigates the current status of the Quiver tree within its existing environment, and also assesses the projected future changes of the Quiver tree habitat under different climatic scenarios. It provided evidence regarding the importance of the study to understanding the climate change impacts on the Quiver tree and its geographical response to climate changes.展开更多
Background: Harvesting of forest products is a widespread driver of disturbance in developing nations, where policies are increasingly aimed at managing natural forests for sustainable use. There is thus need for rese...Background: Harvesting of forest products is a widespread driver of disturbance in developing nations, where policies are increasingly aimed at managing natural forests for sustainable use. There is thus need for research aimed at understanding the impact of resource use on forest habitats and concomitant effects on biodiversity.Afromontane forests in the Eastern Cape, South Africa are harvested informally for poles and medicinal bark and occur along elevational gradients of 800–1600 m above sea level. Patterns of spatial diversity and human disturbance are expected to be affected by elevation. Furthermore, species’ responses to disturbance are expected to vary depending on their level of habitat specialisation. Understanding harvest impacts on forest biodiversity thus requires disentangling the separate effects of elevation and disturbance, and considering forest-specialist and forest-generalist species separately. This study comprises two components. First, harvest activities, resultant harvestmediated habitat heterogeneity, and avifaunal species richness, composition and beta-diversity were compared across two elevational zones in a harvested forest. Second, the role of harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity in driving patterns of avifaunal diversity were assessed, while controlling for elevation, and considering forest-specialist and forest-generalist species separately.Results: Harvest rates were higher, and activities more varied in the lower elevation zone, with significant impacts of harvesting on habitat features resulting in higher harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity at lower elevations.Harvest-mediated increases in habitat heterogeneity positively affected forest-generalist species richness, while forest-specialist richness was negatively affected. While species composition of both groups differed across elevational zones, variation in harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity did not fully account for this, suggesting that factors other than disturbance shape avifaunal communities along the elevation gradient. However, variation in harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity accounted for the amount of beta-diversity attributed to species turnover in the forest-specialist assemblage, indicating that harvest disturbances affect the mechanisms driving beta-diversity of this group.Conclusion: Spatial patterns of avifaunal diversity are affected by elevation over a 300-m gradient. Harvesting results in increased habitat heterogeneity, which variably affects avifaunal communities at the forest-scale, with positive effects for forest generalists and negative effects for forest-specialists.展开更多
Objective: The present study consisted of challenging the extract of kombucha and the fungus Ganoderma reported as hypoglycemic and used as alternative treatments against diabetes on the number and morphology of islet...Objective: The present study consisted of challenging the extract of kombucha and the fungus Ganoderma reported as hypoglycemic and used as alternative treatments against diabetes on the number and morphology of islets of Langerhans. Material and Methods: 64 Wistar rats were used in 4 groups: one control, three experimental, streptozotocin, Kombucha y Ganoderma induced diabetes with streptozotocin. Divided into four post-induction stages at 2, 15, 30 and 45 days of treatment, sacrificing 4 rats at each stage, to perform the morphological analysis of the pancreas. Results: A decrease in the islets of Langerhans in size, volume and the number of cells within them was identified for the streptozotocin group from the second stage until almost disappearing due to diabetes, in the groups of Kombucha y Ganoderma the same was observed but they were recovered with the extract treatments and the average number of islets was similar in these groups, the group of Ganoderma. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this work, a protective and regenerative effect of both extracts is identified.展开更多
Egg incubation on the female abdomen is the parental care behavior observed in aeglids,in which eggs are kept adhered to maternal pleopods and maintained,cleaned and aerated.In A.platensis,egg attachment occurs with t...Egg incubation on the female abdomen is the parental care behavior observed in aeglids,in which eggs are kept adhered to maternal pleopods and maintained,cleaned and aerated.In A.platensis,egg attachment occurs with the aid of pleopodal setae,which are twisted around their axis in the distal region,forming the funiculus,and pleopodal glands,which are responsible for the production of the adhesive substance that seems to be involved in egg fixation to pleopodal setae.Those glands are acini formed by secretory cells arranged concentrically around a central duct,giving them a rosette appearance.Two types of secretory cells were observed,those that produce electron-lucid vesicles and those having electron-dense ones.Both kinds of vesicles are released in a duct whose opening pore is located on the pleopodal surface and constitute the adhesive substance that coats eggs and pleopodal setae,ensuring egg fixation to the female body and maternal care maintenance.This study investigates the internal and external morphology of Aegla platensis pleopods,to understand the egg attachment process and identify the structures involved in this phenomenon.Three microscopy techniques are used:scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and optical microscopy(OM).展开更多
Coarse woody debris(CWD) plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems by supporting habitat complexity and influencing soil properties.This study investigates the effects of CWD on gastropod d...Coarse woody debris(CWD) plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems by supporting habitat complexity and influencing soil properties.This study investigates the effects of CWD on gastropod diversity within managed spruce(Picea abies) forests in the Czech Republic,comparing results to nearby nature reserves(NRs).Gastropod species richness and composition were evaluated at both plot(50 m×50 m) and mesohabitat scales across gradients of CWD and beech(Fagus sylvatica) tree representation.Our results indicate significantly reduced species richness in managed forests(median 7 species per plot) compared to NRs(median15 species),attributed to lower soil pH,calcium availability,and moisture due to the dominance of spruce and the limited availability of CWD.Species richness was positively influenced by CWD volume,with two amounts identified:a minimum of 4 m^(3)·ha^(-1) to prevent significant biodiversity loss and 20 m^(3)·ha^(-1)to support sensitive and dendrophile species.At the within-plot scale,CWD was the species richest mesohabitat,playing a particularly important role in acidic and nutrient-poor environments.Furthermore,beech basal area positively correlated with species richness,mitigating the negative impact of spruce.The findings highlight the critical need for changes in forest management,including increased retention of CWD and integration of deciduous trees,to support biodiversity in intensively managed forests.These measures are particularly urgent given the susceptibility of spruce monocultures to climate change and pest outbreaks.Gastropods,as sessile indicators of environmental change,may serve as effective umbrella species for conservation efforts targeting forest soil biodiversity.展开更多
Ginkgo biloba,the last extant representative of a lineage of Mesozoic gymnosperms,is one of the few seed plants with an exceptionally long(~300 Myr)evolutionary history free of genome-wide duplications(polyploidy).Des...Ginkgo biloba,the last extant representative of a lineage of Mesozoic gymnosperms,is one of the few seed plants with an exceptionally long(~300 Myr)evolutionary history free of genome-wide duplications(polyploidy).Despite this genome conservatism,we have recently found a viable spontaneous tetraploid Ginkgo sapling during routine screening of several plants,demonstrating that natural polyploidy is possible in Ginkgo.Here we provide a much wider flow cytometry survey of ploidy in some European Ginkgo collections,and own seedlings(>2200 individuals and~200 cultivars).We found a surprisingly high level of ploidy variation in modern-day Ginkgo and documented altogether 13 haploid,3 triploid,and 10 tetraploid Ginkgo plants or cultivars,most of them being morphologically distinct from common diploids.Haploids frequently produced polyploid(dihaploid)buds or branches.Tetraploids showed some genome size variation.The surveyed plants provide a unique resource for future Ginkgo research and breeding,and they might be used to accelerate the modern diversification of this nearly extinct plant lineage.展开更多
Background: Natural resources within and around urban landscapes are under increasing pressure from ongoing urbanisation, and management efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainable provision of ecosystem services(ES) ar...Background: Natural resources within and around urban landscapes are under increasing pressure from ongoing urbanisation, and management efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainable provision of ecosystem services(ES) are an important response. Given the limited resources available for assessing urban ES in many cities, practical approaches for integrating ES in decision-making process are needed.Methods: We apply remote sensing techniques(integrating LiDAR data with high-resolution multispectral imagery)and combined these with supplementary spatial data to develop a replicable approach for assessing the role of urban vegetation(including invasive alien plants) in providing ES and ecosystem disservices(EDS). We identify areas denoting potential management trade-offs based on the spatial distribution of ES and EDS using a local-scale case study in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Situated within a global biodiversity hotspot, Cape Town must contend with widespread invasions of alien plants(especially trees and shrubs) along with complex socio-political challenges. This represents a useful system to examine the challenges in managing ES and EDS in the context of urban plant invasions.Results: Areas of high ES provision(for example carbon sequestration, shade and visual amenity) are characterized by the presence of large trees. However, many of these areas also result in numerous EDS due to invasions of alien trees and shrubs – particularly along rivers, in wetlands and along the urban edge where tall alien trees have established and spread into the natural vegetation(for example increased water consumption, increased fire risk and reduced soil quality). This suggests significant trade-offs regarding the management of species and the ES and EDS they provide.Conclusions: The approach applied here can be used to provide recommendations and to guide city planners and managers to fine-tune management interventions at local scales to maximise the provision of ES.展开更多
Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting people’s medical and health needs, especially in developing countries. However, due to a lack of access to modern veterinary facilities, poor visibility of animal health ...Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting people’s medical and health needs, especially in developing countries. However, due to a lack of access to modern veterinary facilities, poor visibility of animal health personnel, and high prices of orthodox medicines, most farmers rely on traditional healers and the administration of medicinal plants to treat livestock ailments. The present study was conducted to document Ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants used to manage livestock ailments in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape. This study was carried out in three rural communities between July 2009 and February 2010. Data were collected by administering pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and participative field observations. For the interviews, a sample of 48 knowledgeable respondents was purposively selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, determination of information consensus factor, and fidelity level. A total of 12 medicinal plants belonging to 9 families were used by local people to cure different ailments. A high number of medicinal plants were claimed by males compared to females. Roots and barks were the major plant parts used, and the least were leaves (27.3%). Six plants were used to treat diarrhea and fertility, five plants to treat wounds, and two plants to treat scabs. This study has shown that Eastern Cape flora is rich with various plants which could be used to replace orthodox drugs. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, biological activities, and toxicities and characterize the plant’s chemical compounds.展开更多
Background：Attention has recently been drawn to the issue of transboundary invasions,where species introduced and naturalized in one country cross international borders and become problematic in neighbouring countrie...Background：Attention has recently been drawn to the issue of transboundary invasions,where species introduced and naturalized in one country cross international borders and become problematic in neighbouring countries.Robust modelling frameworks,able to identify the environmental drivers of invasion and forecast the current and future potential distribution of invasive species,are needed to study and manage invasions.Limitations due to the lack of species distribution and environmental data,or assumptions of modelling tools,often constrain the reliability of model predictions.Methods：We present a multiscale spatial modelling framework for transboundary invasions,incorporating robust modelling frameworks（Multimodel Inference and Ensemble Modelling） to overcome some of the limitations.The framework is illustrated using Hakea sericea Schrad.（Proteaceae）,a shrub or small tree native to Australia and invasive in several regions of the world,including the Iberian Peninsula.Two study scales were considered：regional scale（western Iberia,including mainland Portugal and Galicia） and local scale（northwest Portugal）.At the regional scale,the relative importance of environmental predictors sets was evaluated and ranked to determine the main general drivers for the species distribution,while the importance of each environmental predictor was assessed at the local scale.The potential distribution of H.sericea was spatially projected for both scale areas.Results：Model projections for western Iberia suggest that a large area is environmentally suitable in both Portugal and Spain.Climate and landscape composition sets were the most important determinants of this regional distribution of the species.Conversely,a geological predictor（schist lithology） was more important in explaining its local-scale distribution.Conclusions：After being introduced to Portugal,H.sericea has become a transboundary invader by expanding in parts of Galicia（Spain）.The fact that a larger area is predicted as environmentally suitable in Spain raises concerns regarding its potential continued expansion.This highlights the importance of transboundary cooperation in the early management of invasions.By reliably identifying drivers and providing spatial projections of invasion at multiple scales,this framework provides insights for the study and management of biological invasions,including the assessment of transboundary invasion risk.展开更多
Understanding how plant species richness influences the diversity of herbivorous and predatory/parasitic arthropods is central to community ecology.We explore the effects of crop species richness on the diversity of p...Understanding how plant species richness influences the diversity of herbivorous and predatory/parasitic arthropods is central to community ecology.We explore the effects of crop species richness on the diversity of pest insects and their natural enemies.Using data from a four-year experiment with five levels of crop species richness,we found that crop species richness significantly affected the pest species richness,but there were no significant effects on richness of the pests’natural enemies.In contrast,the species richness of pest insects significantly affected their natural enemies.These findings suggest a cascade effect where trophic interactions are strong between adjacent trophic levels,while the interactions between connected but nonadjacent trophic levels are weakened by the intermediate trophic level.High crop species richness resulted in a more stable arthropod community compared with communities in monoculture crops.Our results highlight the complicated cross-trophic interactions and the crucial role of crop diversity in the food webs of agro-ecosystems.展开更多
Pyralid moths,Ephestia kuehniella and Plodia interpunctella,are prevalent stored product pests.The insecticides are the main tool to control these moths in the stores.The data describing the response of these moths to...Pyralid moths,Ephestia kuehniella and Plodia interpunctella,are prevalent stored product pests.The insecticides are the main tool to control these moths in the stores.The data describing the response of these moths to insecticides are scarce.The lethal effect of the organophosphate,pyrethroid,and halogenated-pyrrole on moths larvae were compared in laboratory test.The hypothesis was that the very polyphagous P.inter-punctella would have generally higher insecticide tolerance than that of the stenophagous E.kuehniella.Different insecticide concentrations were applied onto the inner surface of glass tube vials.Ten larvae of 14 or 21 d old of E.kuehniella and 7 or 14 d old of P.interpunctella were used by treatment.The larval mortality was checked after 24 h of exposure.The mortality was significantly influenced by age of larvae and the groups of chemicals.No differences among the efficacies of the tested formulations with identical active compounds were found,except significant different mortality of E.kuehniella on deltamethrin formulations.A comparison of analytical standards showed that P.interpunctella was less susceptible to the active ingredient pirimiphos-methyl than E.kuehniella,while E.kuehniella was less susceptible to deltamethrin than P.interpunctella.No differences between the two species were observed for chlorfenapyr.We therefore rejected the hypothesis that polyphagy/stenophagy can be a general predictor of insecticide tolerance in the two tested storage moths.The most important finding for effective use was that the young larvae of both species were more susceptible to tested insecticides than older larvae.展开更多
Aims In the Core Cape Subregion(CCR),a Mediterranean-climate ecosystem with infertile soils,the legume species Podalyria calyptrata and P.burchellii are in a separate clade to P.leipoldtii and P.myrtillifolia.The clos...Aims In the Core Cape Subregion(CCR),a Mediterranean-climate ecosystem with infertile soils,the legume species Podalyria calyptrata and P.burchellii are in a separate clade to P.leipoldtii and P.myrtillifolia.The closely related species are allopatric,and with the west-east climate gradient and variation in soil nutrient availability in the CCR,it was hypothesized that the two closely related allopatric species would differ in their ecological niche and root:shoot ratio,specific root length(SRL)and organic acid exudation responses to phosphorus(P)supply.Methods With increasing P supply in the glasshouse,we measured plant biomass,leaf nitrogen([N]),[P],root morphology and release of organic acids.We determined species soil and leaf[N]and[P]and climate in field sites.Important FindingsAt low P supply,P.calyptrata roots exuded more organic acids than P.burchellii which instead produced roots with a greater SRL,and P.myrtillifolia allocated more biomass to roots than P.leipoldtii.In the field,leaf[P]and climate suggested that P.leipoldtii occupied the most oligotrophic niche followed by P.burchellii and then P.calyptrata and P.myrtillifolia.Closely related allopatric species differed in their mechanisms for P-acquisition and ecological niche,indicating that the environment overrides phylogeny in determining P-acquisition traits for these species,and suggesting that climate regulates nutrient availability,driving distribution and speciation.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772491,31970434) to Feng Zhang
文摘The largest superfamily Entomobryoidea is one of the key groups in Collembola.However,incorrect recognition of chaetotaxic homology within Entomobryoidea severely impedes the accurate species comparison of adults and phylogenetic reconstruction.Traditional classification of the superfamily at suprageneric level is disputable in the light of recent advances.Transformational homology of tergal chaetotaxy was traced and revised based on 38 species of first instar and partial early instars.Morphological phylogenetic reconstructions were reconstructed mainly relying on first instar characters using both parsimony and likelihoodbased algorithms.Outgroup selection and several rogue taxa impacted on resolution and support of otherwise well-supported clades.Integrating published molecular phylogeny,a revised classification of three families and nine subfamilies was presented:Orchesellidae,Entomobryidae and Paronellidae.Orchesellidae includes all basal taxa having a short fourth abdominal segment.Cyphoderidae and Microfalculidae taxa were sunk into Paronellidae.New Paronellidae was divided into two subfamilies:Paronellinae(Paronellini+Cyphoderini+Bromacanthini)and Salininae(Cremastocephalini+Callyntrurini).Microfalculidae(Microfalcula)was closer to Salina and Akabosia and thus transferred into Cremastocephalini.This study erected a new classification framework for Entomobryoidea based upon comprehensive phylogenies.Chaetotaxic homologization across a wide range provided a standardized,comparable,powerful tool for taxonomy.
文摘We tested the prediction that at coarse spatial scales, variables associated with climate, energy, and productivity hy- potheses should be better predictor（s） of bat species richness than those associated with environmental heterogeneity. Distribution ranges of 64 bat species were estimated with niche-based models informed by 3629 verified museum specimens. The influence of environmental correlates on bat richness was assessed using ordinary least squares regression （OLS）, simultaneous autoregressive models （SAR）, conditional autoregressive models （CAR）, spatial eigenvector-based filtering models （SEVM）, and Classification and Regression Trees （CART）. To test the assumption of stationarity, Geographically Weighted Regression （GWR） was used. Bat species richness was highest in the eastern parts of southern Africa, particularly in central Zimbabwe and along the western border of Mozambique. We found support for the predictions of both the habitat heterogeneity and climate/productivity/energy hypothe- ses, and as we expected, support varied among bat families and model selection. Richness patterns and predictors of Miniopteridae and Pteropodidae clearly differed from those of other bat families. Altitude range was the only independent variable that was sig- nificant in all models and it was most often the best predictor of bat richness. Standard coefficients of SAR and CAR models were similar to those of OLS models, while those of SEVM models differed. Although GWR indicated that the assumption of stationa- rity was violated, the CART analysis corroborated the findings of the curve-fitting models. Our results identify where additional data on current species ranges, and future conservation action and ecological work are needed.
基金supported by the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology and Working for Water Programme through their collaborative research project on "Integrated management of invasive alien species in South Africa" and the National Research Foundation (grant 85417 to DMR)
文摘Background: Prosopis species have been introduced to many areas outside their native range to provide benefits to local communities. Several Prosopis species and their hybrids(hereafter "mesquite") have, however, become naturalised and invasive and now generate substantial costs. Management options are limited because of the complex conflicts of interest regarding benefits and costs. Management policies and strategies must take account of such conflicts, but further insights are needed on the dimensions of uses and impacts before such information can be usefully applied. Current policy in South Africa allows for the growth and use of mesquite in one province,but not in others where its control is mandatory. We report on a study to quantify the direct use and perceptions of non-timber forest products(NTFPs) from mesquite and native trees in South Africa.Methods: Semi-structures household interviews were conducted with various stakeholder groups to identify what tree products are used, to ascertain amounts used as well as to gauge perceptions of natural resource use between different tree species and use over time.Results: The direct household use value of native trees was higher than that of mesquite, and local stakeholders attached greater value to products from native trees than from mesquite. Therefore, native trees are and will still be preferentially harvested, and mesquite is unlikely to offer protection to native species by providing an alternative source of products. Mesquite pods do, however, provide valuable additional resources(fodder and medicinal products). The use of both native trees and mesquite is decreasing as the incomes of poorer households rise and as alternative energy sources become available. The benefits and reliance on mesquite are not as high as previously assumed and the impacts from mesquite invasions create large problems for local communities.Conclusion: This study provides further evidence that the impacts of mesquite exceed the benefits, lending support for a policy to reduce negative impacts.
基金This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971648)the China Scholarship Council(202108320301)the Czech Science Foundation(19-18545S).
文摘Ginkgo biloba is an economically valuable tree worldwide.The species has nearly become extinct during the Quaternary,which has likely resulted in reduction of its genetic variability.The genetic variability is now conserved in few natural populations in China and a number of cultivars that are,however,derived from a few ancient trees,helping the species survive in China through medieval times.Despite the recent interest in ginkgo,however,detailed knowledge of its genetic diversity,conserved in cultivated trees and cultivars,has remained poor.This limits efficient conservation of its diversity as well as efficient use of the existing germplasm resources.Here we performed genotyping-by-sequencing(GBS)on 102 cultivated germplasms of ginkgo collected to explore their genetic structure,kinship,and inbreeding prediction.For the first time in ginkgo,a genome-wide association analysis study(GWAS)was used to attempt gene mapping of seed traits.The results showed that most of the germplasms did not show any obvious genetic relationship.The size of the ginkgo germplasm population expanded significantly around 1500 years ago during the Sui and Tang dynasties.Classification of seed cultivars based on a phylogenetic perspective does not support the current classification criteria based on phenotype.Twenty-four candidate genes were localized after performing GWAS on the seed traits.Overall,this study reveals the genetic basis of ginkgo seed traits and provides insights into its cultivation history.These findings will facilitate the conservation and utilization of the domesticated germplasms of this living fossil plant.
文摘Aloe dichotoma (Quiver tree) occurs in the arid regions of Namaqualand and Bushman land in South Africa, and in arid regions of southern Namibia. The Quiver trees are not only threatened by agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and mining;but also by climate changes and droughts. Previous studies show that Quiver trees are very sensitive to environmental changes, and do not respond well to extreme hot and dry conditions. This study investigates the current status of the Quiver tree within its existing environment, and also assesses the projected future changes of the Quiver tree habitat under different climatic scenarios. It provided evidence regarding the importance of the study to understanding the climate change impacts on the Quiver tree and its geographical response to climate changes.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation(NRF)South Africa(FBIP 98871)
文摘Background: Harvesting of forest products is a widespread driver of disturbance in developing nations, where policies are increasingly aimed at managing natural forests for sustainable use. There is thus need for research aimed at understanding the impact of resource use on forest habitats and concomitant effects on biodiversity.Afromontane forests in the Eastern Cape, South Africa are harvested informally for poles and medicinal bark and occur along elevational gradients of 800–1600 m above sea level. Patterns of spatial diversity and human disturbance are expected to be affected by elevation. Furthermore, species’ responses to disturbance are expected to vary depending on their level of habitat specialisation. Understanding harvest impacts on forest biodiversity thus requires disentangling the separate effects of elevation and disturbance, and considering forest-specialist and forest-generalist species separately. This study comprises two components. First, harvest activities, resultant harvestmediated habitat heterogeneity, and avifaunal species richness, composition and beta-diversity were compared across two elevational zones in a harvested forest. Second, the role of harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity in driving patterns of avifaunal diversity were assessed, while controlling for elevation, and considering forest-specialist and forest-generalist species separately.Results: Harvest rates were higher, and activities more varied in the lower elevation zone, with significant impacts of harvesting on habitat features resulting in higher harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity at lower elevations.Harvest-mediated increases in habitat heterogeneity positively affected forest-generalist species richness, while forest-specialist richness was negatively affected. While species composition of both groups differed across elevational zones, variation in harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity did not fully account for this, suggesting that factors other than disturbance shape avifaunal communities along the elevation gradient. However, variation in harvest-mediated habitat heterogeneity accounted for the amount of beta-diversity attributed to species turnover in the forest-specialist assemblage, indicating that harvest disturbances affect the mechanisms driving beta-diversity of this group.Conclusion: Spatial patterns of avifaunal diversity are affected by elevation over a 300-m gradient. Harvesting results in increased habitat heterogeneity, which variably affects avifaunal communities at the forest-scale, with positive effects for forest generalists and negative effects for forest-specialists.
文摘Objective: The present study consisted of challenging the extract of kombucha and the fungus Ganoderma reported as hypoglycemic and used as alternative treatments against diabetes on the number and morphology of islets of Langerhans. Material and Methods: 64 Wistar rats were used in 4 groups: one control, three experimental, streptozotocin, Kombucha y Ganoderma induced diabetes with streptozotocin. Divided into four post-induction stages at 2, 15, 30 and 45 days of treatment, sacrificing 4 rats at each stage, to perform the morphological analysis of the pancreas. Results: A decrease in the islets of Langerhans in size, volume and the number of cells within them was identified for the streptozotocin group from the second stage until almost disappearing due to diabetes, in the groups of Kombucha y Ganoderma the same was observed but they were recovered with the extract treatments and the average number of islets was similar in these groups, the group of Ganoderma. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this work, a protective and regenerative effect of both extracts is identified.
基金The authors thank the technicians of the Centro de Microscopia Eletronica(CME)and the histology laboratory of the Department of Zoology,Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul(UFRGS)who assisted with sample preparation,as well as the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq)of Brazil.
文摘Egg incubation on the female abdomen is the parental care behavior observed in aeglids,in which eggs are kept adhered to maternal pleopods and maintained,cleaned and aerated.In A.platensis,egg attachment occurs with the aid of pleopodal setae,which are twisted around their axis in the distal region,forming the funiculus,and pleopodal glands,which are responsible for the production of the adhesive substance that seems to be involved in egg fixation to pleopodal setae.Those glands are acini formed by secretory cells arranged concentrically around a central duct,giving them a rosette appearance.Two types of secretory cells were observed,those that produce electron-lucid vesicles and those having electron-dense ones.Both kinds of vesicles are released in a duct whose opening pore is located on the pleopodal surface and constitute the adhesive substance that coats eggs and pleopodal setae,ensuring egg fixation to the female body and maternal care maintenance.This study investigates the internal and external morphology of Aegla platensis pleopods,to understand the egg attachment process and identify the structures involved in this phenomenon.Three microscopy techniques are used:scanning electron microscopy(SEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),and optical microscopy(OM).
基金fnancially supported by the Czech Science Foundation(P504/23-05132S)by the Masaryk University Institutional Grant for Doctoral Students(MUNI/A/1667/2024).
文摘Coarse woody debris(CWD) plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in forest ecosystems by supporting habitat complexity and influencing soil properties.This study investigates the effects of CWD on gastropod diversity within managed spruce(Picea abies) forests in the Czech Republic,comparing results to nearby nature reserves(NRs).Gastropod species richness and composition were evaluated at both plot(50 m×50 m) and mesohabitat scales across gradients of CWD and beech(Fagus sylvatica) tree representation.Our results indicate significantly reduced species richness in managed forests(median 7 species per plot) compared to NRs(median15 species),attributed to lower soil pH,calcium availability,and moisture due to the dominance of spruce and the limited availability of CWD.Species richness was positively influenced by CWD volume,with two amounts identified:a minimum of 4 m^(3)·ha^(-1) to prevent significant biodiversity loss and 20 m^(3)·ha^(-1)to support sensitive and dendrophile species.At the within-plot scale,CWD was the species richest mesohabitat,playing a particularly important role in acidic and nutrient-poor environments.Furthermore,beech basal area positively correlated with species richness,mitigating the negative impact of spruce.The findings highlight the critical need for changes in forest management,including increased retention of CWD and integration of deciduous trees,to support biodiversity in intensively managed forests.These measures are particularly urgent given the susceptibility of spruce monocultures to climate change and pest outbreaks.Gastropods,as sessile indicators of environmental change,may serve as effective umbrella species for conservation efforts targeting forest soil biodiversity.
基金This work was supported by the Czech Science Foundation(grant GAČR P50514-30313S).
文摘Ginkgo biloba,the last extant representative of a lineage of Mesozoic gymnosperms,is one of the few seed plants with an exceptionally long(~300 Myr)evolutionary history free of genome-wide duplications(polyploidy).Despite this genome conservatism,we have recently found a viable spontaneous tetraploid Ginkgo sapling during routine screening of several plants,demonstrating that natural polyploidy is possible in Ginkgo.Here we provide a much wider flow cytometry survey of ploidy in some European Ginkgo collections,and own seedlings(>2200 individuals and~200 cultivars).We found a surprisingly high level of ploidy variation in modern-day Ginkgo and documented altogether 13 haploid,3 triploid,and 10 tetraploid Ginkgo plants or cultivars,most of them being morphologically distinct from common diploids.Haploids frequently produced polyploid(dihaploid)buds or branches.Tetraploids showed some genome size variation.The surveyed plants provide a unique resource for future Ginkgo research and breeding,and they might be used to accelerate the modern diversification of this nearly extinct plant lineage.
基金Funding for this work was provided by the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology and the Working for Water Programme through their collaborative research project on “Integrated Management of invasive alien species in South Africa”the National Research Foundation,South Africa(grant85417 to DMR)
文摘Background: Natural resources within and around urban landscapes are under increasing pressure from ongoing urbanisation, and management efforts aimed at ensuring the sustainable provision of ecosystem services(ES) are an important response. Given the limited resources available for assessing urban ES in many cities, practical approaches for integrating ES in decision-making process are needed.Methods: We apply remote sensing techniques(integrating LiDAR data with high-resolution multispectral imagery)and combined these with supplementary spatial data to develop a replicable approach for assessing the role of urban vegetation(including invasive alien plants) in providing ES and ecosystem disservices(EDS). We identify areas denoting potential management trade-offs based on the spatial distribution of ES and EDS using a local-scale case study in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. Situated within a global biodiversity hotspot, Cape Town must contend with widespread invasions of alien plants(especially trees and shrubs) along with complex socio-political challenges. This represents a useful system to examine the challenges in managing ES and EDS in the context of urban plant invasions.Results: Areas of high ES provision(for example carbon sequestration, shade and visual amenity) are characterized by the presence of large trees. However, many of these areas also result in numerous EDS due to invasions of alien trees and shrubs – particularly along rivers, in wetlands and along the urban edge where tall alien trees have established and spread into the natural vegetation(for example increased water consumption, increased fire risk and reduced soil quality). This suggests significant trade-offs regarding the management of species and the ES and EDS they provide.Conclusions: The approach applied here can be used to provide recommendations and to guide city planners and managers to fine-tune management interventions at local scales to maximise the provision of ES.
文摘Medicinal plants play a major role in meeting people’s medical and health needs, especially in developing countries. However, due to a lack of access to modern veterinary facilities, poor visibility of animal health personnel, and high prices of orthodox medicines, most farmers rely on traditional healers and the administration of medicinal plants to treat livestock ailments. The present study was conducted to document Ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal plants used to manage livestock ailments in three rural communities of the Eastern Cape. This study was carried out in three rural communities between July 2009 and February 2010. Data were collected by administering pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires and participative field observations. For the interviews, a sample of 48 knowledgeable respondents was purposively selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, determination of information consensus factor, and fidelity level. A total of 12 medicinal plants belonging to 9 families were used by local people to cure different ailments. A high number of medicinal plants were claimed by males compared to females. Roots and barks were the major plant parts used, and the least were leaves (27.3%). Six plants were used to treat diarrhea and fertility, five plants to treat wounds, and two plants to treat scabs. This study has shown that Eastern Cape flora is rich with various plants which could be used to replace orthodox drugs. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations, biological activities, and toxicities and characterize the plant’s chemical compounds.
基金funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Programme for Competitiveness Factors-COMPETENational Funds through FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology under the project PTDC/AAGMAA/4539/2012/FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027863(IND_CHANGE)+3 种基金supported by POPH/FSE fundsNational Funds through FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology through Post-doctoral grant SFRH/BPD/84044/2012support from the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biologythe National Research Foundation(grant 85417)
文摘Background：Attention has recently been drawn to the issue of transboundary invasions,where species introduced and naturalized in one country cross international borders and become problematic in neighbouring countries.Robust modelling frameworks,able to identify the environmental drivers of invasion and forecast the current and future potential distribution of invasive species,are needed to study and manage invasions.Limitations due to the lack of species distribution and environmental data,or assumptions of modelling tools,often constrain the reliability of model predictions.Methods：We present a multiscale spatial modelling framework for transboundary invasions,incorporating robust modelling frameworks（Multimodel Inference and Ensemble Modelling） to overcome some of the limitations.The framework is illustrated using Hakea sericea Schrad.（Proteaceae）,a shrub or small tree native to Australia and invasive in several regions of the world,including the Iberian Peninsula.Two study scales were considered：regional scale（western Iberia,including mainland Portugal and Galicia） and local scale（northwest Portugal）.At the regional scale,the relative importance of environmental predictors sets was evaluated and ranked to determine the main general drivers for the species distribution,while the importance of each environmental predictor was assessed at the local scale.The potential distribution of H.sericea was spatially projected for both scale areas.Results：Model projections for western Iberia suggest that a large area is environmentally suitable in both Portugal and Spain.Climate and landscape composition sets were the most important determinants of this regional distribution of the species.Conversely,a geological predictor（schist lithology） was more important in explaining its local-scale distribution.Conclusions：After being introduced to Portugal,H.sericea has become a transboundary invader by expanding in parts of Galicia（Spain）.The fact that a larger area is predicted as environmentally suitable in Spain raises concerns regarding its potential continued expansion.This highlights the importance of transboundary cooperation in the early management of invasions.By reliably identifying drivers and providing spatial projections of invasion at multiple scales,this framework provides insights for the study and management of biological invasions,including the assessment of transboundary invasion risk.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31030012)the National Key Technology Research & Development Program,China (2013CB127604)+2 种基金the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest,China (201103012)support from the National Research Foundation,South Africa (76912 and 81825)supported by the University of California Agricultural Experiment Station,Riverside,CA,USA
文摘Understanding how plant species richness influences the diversity of herbivorous and predatory/parasitic arthropods is central to community ecology.We explore the effects of crop species richness on the diversity of pest insects and their natural enemies.Using data from a four-year experiment with five levels of crop species richness,we found that crop species richness significantly affected the pest species richness,but there were no significant effects on richness of the pests’natural enemies.In contrast,the species richness of pest insects significantly affected their natural enemies.These findings suggest a cascade effect where trophic interactions are strong between adjacent trophic levels,while the interactions between connected but nonadjacent trophic levels are weakened by the intermediate trophic level.High crop species richness resulted in a more stable arthropod community compared with communities in monoculture crops.Our results highlight the complicated cross-trophic interactions and the crucial role of crop diversity in the food webs of agro-ecosystems.
基金supported by project RO0418 of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic。
文摘Pyralid moths,Ephestia kuehniella and Plodia interpunctella,are prevalent stored product pests.The insecticides are the main tool to control these moths in the stores.The data describing the response of these moths to insecticides are scarce.The lethal effect of the organophosphate,pyrethroid,and halogenated-pyrrole on moths larvae were compared in laboratory test.The hypothesis was that the very polyphagous P.inter-punctella would have generally higher insecticide tolerance than that of the stenophagous E.kuehniella.Different insecticide concentrations were applied onto the inner surface of glass tube vials.Ten larvae of 14 or 21 d old of E.kuehniella and 7 or 14 d old of P.interpunctella were used by treatment.The larval mortality was checked after 24 h of exposure.The mortality was significantly influenced by age of larvae and the groups of chemicals.No differences among the efficacies of the tested formulations with identical active compounds were found,except significant different mortality of E.kuehniella on deltamethrin formulations.A comparison of analytical standards showed that P.interpunctella was less susceptible to the active ingredient pirimiphos-methyl than E.kuehniella,while E.kuehniella was less susceptible to deltamethrin than P.interpunctella.No differences between the two species were observed for chlorfenapyr.We therefore rejected the hypothesis that polyphagy/stenophagy can be a general predictor of insecticide tolerance in the two tested storage moths.The most important finding for effective use was that the young larvae of both species were more susceptible to tested insecticides than older larvae.
基金National Research Foundation(NRF),University of Cape Town and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust.
文摘Aims In the Core Cape Subregion(CCR),a Mediterranean-climate ecosystem with infertile soils,the legume species Podalyria calyptrata and P.burchellii are in a separate clade to P.leipoldtii and P.myrtillifolia.The closely related species are allopatric,and with the west-east climate gradient and variation in soil nutrient availability in the CCR,it was hypothesized that the two closely related allopatric species would differ in their ecological niche and root:shoot ratio,specific root length(SRL)and organic acid exudation responses to phosphorus(P)supply.Methods With increasing P supply in the glasshouse,we measured plant biomass,leaf nitrogen([N]),[P],root morphology and release of organic acids.We determined species soil and leaf[N]and[P]and climate in field sites.Important FindingsAt low P supply,P.calyptrata roots exuded more organic acids than P.burchellii which instead produced roots with a greater SRL,and P.myrtillifolia allocated more biomass to roots than P.leipoldtii.In the field,leaf[P]and climate suggested that P.leipoldtii occupied the most oligotrophic niche followed by P.burchellii and then P.calyptrata and P.myrtillifolia.Closely related allopatric species differed in their mechanisms for P-acquisition and ecological niche,indicating that the environment overrides phylogeny in determining P-acquisition traits for these species,and suggesting that climate regulates nutrient availability,driving distribution and speciation.
