Showing papers by "National University of Comahue published in 2019"
University of Würzburg1, National University of Comahue2, Spanish National Research Council3, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences4, University of Lisbon5, Universidade Federal de Goiás6, Stanford University7, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation8, National University of Río Negro9, ETH Zurich10, Cornell University11, University of California, Davis12, The Nature Conservancy13, Wageningen University and Research Centre14, University of British Columbia15, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center16, University of California, Santa Cruz17, University of Padua18, University of New England (Australia)19, Lund University20, University of Göttingen21, Institut national de la recherche agronomique22, University of La Rochelle23, Federal University of Ceará24, University of Freiburg25, Concordia University Wisconsin26, University of Belgrade27, National University of Tucumán28, Michigan State University29, University of Brasília30, University of Greenwich31, University of Reading32, University of Wisconsin-Madison33, National Institute of Amazonian Research34, Boise State University35, University of Texas at Austin36, University of Haifa37, Kansas State University38, University of Hamburg39, Bioversity International40, University of California, Santa Barbara41, Seattle University42, University of Vienna43, University of Florida44, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza45, National Audubon Society46, University of Buenos Aires47, Virginia Tech48, University of Bordeaux49, University of Auckland50, University of California, Berkeley51, University College Dublin52, Trinity College, Dublin53, University of Tokyo54, Federal University of Bahia55, Lincoln University (New Zealand)56, National Institute for Environmental Studies57, International Food Policy Research Institute58, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University59
TL;DR: Using a global database from 89 studies (with 1475 locations), the relative importance of species richness, abundance, and dominance for pollination; biological pest control; and final yields in the context of ongoing land-use change is partitioned.
Abstract: Human land use threatens global biodiversity and compromises multiple ecosystem functions critical to food production. Whether crop yield-related ecosystem services can be maintained by a few dominant species or rely on high richness remains unclear. Using a global database from 89 studies (with 1475 locations), we partition the relative importance of species richness, abundance, and dominance for pollination; biological pest control; and final yields in the context of ongoing land-use change. Pollinator and enemy richness directly supported ecosystem services in addition to and independent of abundance and dominance. Up to 50% of the negative effects of landscape simplification on ecosystem services was due to richness losses of service-providing organisms, with negative consequences for crop yields. Maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystem service providers is therefore vital to sustain the flow of key agroecosystem benefits to society.
434 citations
University of Würzburg1, National University of Comahue2, Spanish National Research Council3, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences4, Universidade Federal de Goiás5, University of Lisbon6, Stanford University7, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation8, National University of Río Negro9, ETH Zurich10, Cornell University11, University of California, Davis12, The Nature Conservancy13, Wageningen University and Research Centre14, University of British Columbia15, Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center16, University of California, Berkeley17, University of Padua18, University of New England (United States)19, Lund University20, University of Göttingen21, Institut national de la recherche agronomique22, University of La Rochelle23, Federal University of Ceará24, Concordia University Wisconsin25, University of Belgrade26, National University of Tucumán27, Michigan State University28, University of Brasília29, University of Greenwich30, University of Reading31, University of Wisconsin-Madison32, Boise State University33, University of Texas at Austin34, University of Haifa35, Kansas State University36, University of Freiburg37, University of Hamburg38, University of California, Santa Barbara39, Seattle University40, University of Vienna41, University of Florida42, Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza43, National Audubon Society44, University of Buenos Aires45, Virginia Tech46, University of Bordeaux47, University of Auckland48, University College Dublin49, Trinity College, Dublin50, University of Tokyo51, Federal University of Bahia52, Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)53, National Institute for Environmental Studies54, International Food Policy Research Institute55, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University56
TL;DR: Using a global database from 89 crop systems, the relative importance of abundance and species richness for pollination, biological pest control and final yields in the context of on-going land-use change is partitioned.
Abstract: Human land use threatens global biodiversity and compromises multiple ecosystem functions critical to food production. Whether crop yield-related ecosystem services can be maintained by few abundant species or rely on high richness remains unclear. Using a global database from 89 crop systems, we partition the relative importance of abundance and species richness for pollination, biological pest control and final yields in the context of on-going land-use change. Pollinator and enemy richness directly supported ecosystem services independent of abundance. Up to 50% of the negative effects of landscape simplification on ecosystem services was due to richness losses of service-providing organisms, with negative consequences for crop yields. Maintaining the biodiversity of ecosystem service providers is therefore vital to sustain the flow of key agroecosystem benefits to society.
237 citations
National University of Comahue1, University of Buenos Aires2, Naturalis3, Leiden University4, National University of Río Negro5, University of Maryland, College Park6, Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory7, Andong National University8, Princeton University9, University of Chile10, Stellenbosch University11, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg12, Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology13
TL;DR: World regions of particular concern are identified where environmentally damaging practices associated with large‐scale, industrial agriculture threaten key ecosystem services that underlie productivity, in addition to other benefits provided by biodiversity.
Abstract: The global increase in the proportion of land cultivated with pollinator-dependent crops implies increased reliance on pollination services. Yet agricultural practices themselves can profoundly affect pollinator supply and pollination. Extensive monocultures are associated with a limited pollinator supply and reduced pollination, whereas agricultural diversification can enhance both. Therefore, areas where agricultural diversity has increased, or at least been maintained, may better sustain high and more stable productivity of pollinator-dependent crops. Given that >80% of all crops depend, to varying extents, on insect pollination, a global increase in agricultural pollinator dependence over recent decades might have led to a concomitant increase in agricultural diversification. We evaluated whether an increase in the area of pollinator-dependent crops has indeed been associated with an increase in agricultural diversity, measured here as crop diversity, at the global, regional, and country scales for the period 1961-2016. Globally, results show a relatively weak and decelerating rise in agricultural diversity over time that was largely decoupled from the strong and continually increasing trend in agricultural dependency on pollinators. At regional and country levels, there was no consistent relationship between temporal changes in pollinator dependence and crop diversification. Instead, our results show heterogeneous responses in which increasing pollinator dependence for some countries and regions has been associated with either an increase or a decrease in agricultural diversity. Particularly worrisome is a rapid expansion of pollinator-dependent oilseed crops in several countries of the Americas and Asia that has resulted in a decrease in agricultural diversity. In these regions, reliance on pollinators is increasing, yet agricultural practices that undermine pollination services are expanding. Our analysis has thereby identified world regions of particular concern where environmentally damaging practices associated with large-scale, industrial agriculture threaten key ecosystem services that underlie productivity, in addition to other benefits provided by biodiversity.
174 citations
University of Alcalá1, University of Porto2, University of Lisbon3, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra4, University of Vienna5, University of Melbourne6, Spanish National Research Council7, Landcare Research8, National University of Comahue9, University of Göttingen10, European Forest Institute11, University of Coimbra12, University of Queensland13, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation14, Canadian Real Estate Association15, University of California, Santa Cruz16, Stellenbosch University17, United States Forest Service18, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev19, Norwegian University of Life Sciences20, University of Western Australia21, Siberian Federal University22, Mendel University23, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro24, Universidade Federal de Lavras25, University of Cádiz26
TL;DR: A global assessment of NNT effects on the three main categories of ecosystem services, including regulating (RES), provisioning and cultural services (PES) and on an ecosystem disservice (EDS), and a quantitative understanding of the complex synergies, trade‐offs and context dependencies involved is provided.
Abstract: Non-native tree (NNT) species have been transported worldwide to create or enhance services that are fundamental for human well-being, such as timber provision, erosion control or ornamental value; yet NNTs can also produce undesired effects, such as fire proneness or pollen allergenicity. Despite the variety of effects that NNTs have on multiple ecosystem services, a global quantitative assessment of their costs and benefits is still lacking. Such information is critical for decision-making, management and sustainable exploitation of NNTs. We present here a global assessment of NNT effects on the three main categories of ecosystem services, including regulating (RES), provisioning (PES) and cultural services (CES), and on an ecosystem disservice (EDS), i.e. pollen allergenicity. By searching the scientific literature, country forestry reports, and social media, we compiled a global data set of 1683 case studies from over 125 NNT species, covering 44 countries, all continents but Antarctica, and seven biomes. Using different meta-analysis techniques, we found that, while NNTs increase most RES (e.g. climate regulation, soil erosion control, fertility and formation), they decrease PES (e.g. NNTs contribute less than native trees to global timber provision). Also, they have different effects on CES (e.g. increase aesthetic values but decrease scientific interest), and no effect on the EDS considered. NNT effects on each ecosystem (dis)service showed a strong context dependency, varying across NNT types, biomes and socio-economic conditions. For instance, some RES are increased more by NNTs able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and when the ecosystem is located in low-latitude biomes; some CES are increased more by NNTs in less-wealthy countries or in countries with higher gross domestic products. The effects of NNTs on several ecosystem (dis)services exhibited some synergies (e.g. among soil fertility, soil formation and climate regulation or between aesthetic values and pollen allergenicity), but also trade-offs (e.g. between fire regulation and soil erosion control). Our analyses provide a quantitative understanding of the complex synergies, trade-offs and context dependencies involved for the effects of NNTs that is essential for attaining a sustained provision of ecosystem services.
128 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that the thermoresponsive copolymer acts as a gatekeeper for the temperature-controlled release of the drug loaded inside the mesopores of MMSNP-PNIPAM-co-MPS.
105 citations
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research1, University of Cádiz2, Queensland University of Technology3, Agricultural Research Service4, University of Minnesota5, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg6, University of Nebraska–Lincoln7, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University8, University of Kentucky9, University of Manchester10, Lancaster University11, University of Florida12, Utah State University13, National Technical University14, Iowa State University15, Kansas State University16, Colorado State University17, Instituto Superior de Agronomia18, University of New Mexico19, National University of Mar del Plata20, National University of Comahue21, University of Jena22, Leipzig University23, University of California, San Diego24, University of Oulu25, Mammal Research Institute26, Utrecht University27, University of KwaZulu-Natal28, University of Guelph29, Monash University30, University of Sydney31, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation32, University of Leeds33, National Centre for Biological Sciences34, University of Buenos Aires35
TL;DR: It is shown that combining laboratory measurements with environmental data greatly improves predictions of field Nmin at a global scale and that potential soil net Nmin data could be parameterised with soil and climate data to better predict realised Nmin.
Abstract: Soil nitrogen mineralisation (Nmin), the conversion of organic into inorganic N, is important for productivity and nutrient cycling. The balance between mineralisation and immobilisation (net Nmin) varies with soil properties and climate. However, because most global-scale assessments of net Nmin are laboratory-based, its regulation under field-conditions and implications for real-world soil functioning remain uncertain. Here, we explore the drivers of realised (field) and potential (laboratory) soil net Nmin across 30 grasslands worldwide. We find that realised Nmin is largely explained by temperature of the wettest quarter, microbial biomass, clay content and bulk density. Potential Nmin only weakly correlates with realised Nmin, but contributes to explain realised net Nmin when combined with soil and climatic variables. We provide novel insights of global realised soil net Nmin and show that potential soil net Nmin data available in the literature could be parameterised with soil and climate data to better predict realised Nmin.
98 citations
TL;DR: Aizen, Aizen, and Adrian as mentioned in this paper presented a study of the relationship between Biodiversidad and Medioambiente at the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas and Tecnicas.
Abstract: Fil: Aizen, Marcelo Adrian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentina
95 citations
TL;DR: Hanseniaspora is an ancient lineage that has diversified and thrived, despite lacking many otherwise highly conserved cell-cycle and genome integrity genes and pathways, and may represent a novel, to the authors' knowledge, system for studying cellular life without them.
Abstract: Cell-cycle checkpoints and DNA repair processes protect organisms from potentially lethal mutational damage. Compared to other budding yeasts in the subphylum Saccharomycotina, we noticed that a lineage in the genus Hanseniaspora exhibited very high evolutionary rates, low Guanine-Cytosine (GC) content, small genome sizes, and lower gene numbers. To better understand Hanseniaspora evolution, we analyzed 25 genomes, including 11 newly sequenced, representing 18/21 known species in the genus. Our phylogenomic analyses identify two Hanseniaspora lineages, a faster-evolving lineage (FEL), which began diversifying approximately 87 million years ago (mya), and a slower-evolving lineage (SEL), which began diversifying approximately 54 mya. Remarkably, both lineages lost genes associated with the cell cycle and genome integrity, but these losses were greater in the FEL. E.g., all species lost the cell-cycle regulator WHIskey 5 (WHI5), and the FEL lost components of the spindle checkpoint pathway (e.g., Mitotic Arrest-Deficient 1 [MAD1], Mitotic Arrest-Deficient 2 [MAD2]) and DNA-damage-checkpoint pathway (e.g., Mitosis Entry Checkpoint 3 [MEC3], RADiation sensitive 9 [RAD9]). Similarly, both lineages lost genes involved in DNA repair pathways, including the DNA glycosylase gene 3-MethylAdenine DNA Glycosylase 1 (MAG1), which is part of the base-excision repair pathway, and the DNA photolyase gene PHotoreactivation Repair deficient 1 (PHR1), which is involved in pyrimidine dimer repair. Strikingly, the FEL lost 33 additional genes, including polymerases (i.e., POLymerase 4 [POL4] and POL32) and telomere-associated genes (e.g., Repressor/activator site binding protein-Interacting Factor 1 [RIF1], Replication Factor A 3 [RFA3], Cell Division Cycle 13 [CDC13], Pbp1p Binding Protein [PBP2]). Echoing these losses, molecular evolutionary analyses reveal that, compared to the SEL, the FEL stem lineage underwent a burst of accelerated evolution, which resulted in greater mutational loads, homopolymer instabilities, and higher fractions of mutations associated with the common endogenously damaged base, 8-oxoguanine. We conclude that Hanseniaspora is an ancient lineage that has diversified and thrived, despite lacking many otherwise highly conserved cell-cycle and genome integrity genes and pathways, and may represent a novel, to our knowledge, system for studying cellular life without them.
89 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that the identity of mycorrhizal fungi and their ecological interactions, rather than simply the presence of compatible fungi, are key to the understanding of plant invasion processes and their success or failure.
Abstract: Belowground biota can deeply influence plant invasion. The presence of appropriate soil mutualists can act as a driver to enable plants to colonize new ranges. We reviewed the species of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) that facilitate pine establishment in both native and non-native ranges, and that are associated with their invasion into nonforest settings. We found that one particular group of EMF, suilloid fungi, uniquely drive pine invasion in the absence of other EMF. Although the association with other EMF is variable, suilloid EMF are always associated with invasive pines, particularly at early invasion, when invasive trees are most vulnerable. We identified five main ecological traits of suilloid fungi that may explain their key role at pine invasions: their long-distance dispersal capacity, the establishment of positive biotic interactions with mammals, their capacity to generate a resistant spore bank, their rapid colonization of roots and their long-distance exploration type. These results suggest that the identity of mycorrhizal fungi and their ecological interactions, rather than simply the presence of compatible fungi, are key to the understanding of plant invasion processes and their success or failure. Particularly for pines, their specific association with suilloid fungi determines their invasion success in previously uninvaded ecosystems.
86 citations
University of Antwerp1, University of Picardie Jules Verne2, Stockholm University3, University of Montpellier4, Research Institute for Nature and Forest5, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg6, ETH Zurich7, University of Concepción8, National Scientific and Technical Research Council9, National University of Comahue10, Finnish Meteorological Institute11, University of Helsinki12
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated different sources of temperature data (WorldClim, CHELSA, MODIS, E•OBS, topoclimate and soil temperature from miniature data loggers), differing in spatial resolution (from 1″ to 0.1°), measurement focus (free air, ground surface or soil temperature) and temporal extent (year-long versus long-term averages), and used them to fit SDMs for 50 plant species with different growth forms in a high-latitudinal mountain region.
Abstract: Aim. Although species distribution models (SDMs) traditionally link species occurrences to free‐air temperature data at coarse spatio‐temporal resolution, the distribution of organisms might instead be driven by temperatures more proximal to their habitats. Several solutions are currently available, such as downscaled or interpolated coarse‐grained free‐air temperatures, satellite‐measured land surface temperatures (LST) or in‐situ‐measured soil temperatures. A comprehensive comparison of temperature data sources and their performance in SDMs is, however, currently lacking. Location. Northern Scandinavia. Time period. 1970–2017. Major taxa studied. Higher plants. Methods. We evaluated different sources of temperature data (WorldClim, CHELSA, MODIS, E‐OBS, topoclimate and soil temperature from miniature data loggers), differing in spatial resolution (from 1″ to 0.1°), measurement focus (free‐air, ground‐surface or soil temperature) and temporal extent (year‐long versus long‐term averages), and used them to fit SDMs for 50 plant species with different growth forms in a high‐latitudinal mountain region. Results. Differences between these temperature data sources originating from measurement focus and temporal extent overshadow the effects of temporal climatic differences and spatio‐temporal resolution, with elevational lapse rates ranging from −0.6°C per 100 m for long‐term free‐air temperature data to −0.2°C per 100 m for in‐situ soil temperatures. Most importantly, we found that the performance of the temperature data in SDMs depended on the growth forms of species. The use of in‐situ soil temperatures improved the explanatory power of our SDMs (R2 on average +16%), especially for forbs and graminoids (R2 +24 and +21% on average, respectively) compared with the other data sources. Main conclusions. We suggest that future studies using SDMs should use the temperature dataset that best reflects the ecology of the species, rather than automatically using coarse‐grained data from WorldClim or CHELSA.
86 citations
Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research1, ETH Zurich2, University of Montpellier3, University of Ulm4, Vrije Universiteit Brussel5, Royal Museum for Central Africa6, University of Helsinki7, National University of Río Negro8, University of Victoria9, University of Milan10, Spanish National Research Council11, Laval University12, University of Ljubljana13, United States Geological Survey14, Institut national de la recherche agronomique15, Center for International Forestry Research16, Dresden University of Technology17, University of Arkansas18, United States Forest Service19, Max Planck Society20, Transilvania University of Brașov21, Desert Botanical Garden22, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague23, Humboldt State University24, Siberian Federal University25, Sukachev Institute of Forest26, National University of Comahue27, Weizmann Institute of Science28, Pablo de Olavide University29, Mediterranean University30, University of Debrecen31, Natural Resources Canada32, University of Innsbruck33, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute34, University of Valladolid35, University of Colorado Boulder36, Northern Arizona University37, University of Novi Sad38, National Scientific and Technical Research Council39, University of Alberta40, University of Minnesota41, Autonomous University of Barcelona42
TL;DR: This analysis provides a robust method for estimating early-warning signals of tree mortality based on annual growth data and finds a gradual increase in inter-annual growth variability and a decrease in growth synchrony in the last ∼20 years before mortality of gymnosperms, irrespective of the cause of mortality.
Abstract: Tree mortality is a key driver of forest dynamics and its occurrence is projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Despite recent advances in our understanding of the physiological mechanisms leading to death, we still lack robust indicators of mortality risk that could be applied at the individual tree scale. Here, we build on a previous contribution exploring the differences in growth level between trees that died and survived a given mortality event to assess whether changes in temporal autocorrelation, variance, and synchrony in time-series of annual radial growth data can be used as early warning signals of mortality risk. Taking advantage of a unique global ring-width database of 3065 dead trees and 4389 living trees growing together at 198 sites (belonging to 36 gymnosperm and angiosperm species), we analyzed temporal changes in autocorrelation, variance, and synchrony before tree death (diachronic analysis), and also compared these metrics between trees that died and trees that survived a given mortality event (synchronic analysis). Changes in autocorrelation were a poor indicator of mortality risk. However, we found a gradual increase in inter- annual growth variability and a decrease in growth synchrony in the last similar to 20 years before mortality of gymnosperms, irrespective of the cause of mortality. These changes could be associated with drought-induced alterations in carbon economy and allocation patterns. In angiosperms, we did not find any consistent changes in any metric. Such lack of any signal might be explained by the relatively high capacity of angiosperms to recover after a stress-induced growth decline. Our analysis provides a robust method for estimating early-warning signals of tree mortality based on annual growth data. In addition to the frequently reported decrease in growth rates, an increase in inter-annual growth variability and a decrease in growth synchrony may be powerful predictors of gymnosperm mortality risk, but not necessarily so for angiosperms.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assessed socio-economic variables, energy consumption and indoor environments in households located in the city of Valdivia, through surveys and the monitoring of temperatures and indoor air pollution levels.
TL;DR: Using finite element simulations, it was found that the main reason behind the ice-prevention is the change in the droplet geometrical shape due to the hydrophobic nature of the treated surfaces.
Abstract: Fabricating aluminium surfaces with superhydrophobic and ice-repellent properties present nowadays a challenging task. In this work, multifunctional structures are manufactured by direct laser writing and direct laser interference patterning methods using pulsed infrared laser radiation (1064 nm). Different periodic patterns with feature sizes ranging from 7.0 to 50.0 µm are produced. In addition, hierarchical textures are produced combining both mentioned laser based methods. Water contact angle tests at room temperature showed that all produced patterns reached the superhydrophobic state after 13 to 16 days. In addition, these experiments were repeated at substrate temperatures from −30 °C to 80 °C allowing to determine three wettability behaviours as a function of the temperature. The patterned surfaces also showed ice-repellent properties characterized by a near three-fold increase in the droplets freezing times compared to the untreated samples. Using finite element simulations, it was found that the main reason behind the ice-prevention is the change in the droplet geometrical shape due to the hydrophobic nature of the treated surfaces. Finally, dynamic tests of droplets imping the treated aluminium surfaces cooled down to −20 °C revealed that only on the hierarchically patterned surface, the droplets were able to bounce off the substrate.
Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche1, University of Lleida2, Autonomous University of Madrid3, Spanish National Research Council4, University of Coimbra5, University of Granada6, Polish Academy of Sciences7, National University of Comahue8, City University of New York9, Queens College10, Oregon State University11, University of Georgia12, United States Department of Agriculture13, Norwegian University of Life Sciences14, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences15, University of California, Santa Cruz16, University of California, Berkeley17, The Peregrine Fund18, Smithsonian Institution19, University of Utah20, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign21, Victoria University of Wellington22, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation23, Utah State University24, University of Adelaide25, University of Ljubljana26, The Nature Conservancy27, University of Exeter28, Government Arts College, Coimbatore29
TL;DR: Large-scale patterns of species richness and diversity in terrestrial vertebrate scavenger (carrion-consuming) assemblages, which provide key ecosystem functions and services are described, to highlight the effect of human impact at a global scale.
Abstract: Understanding the distribution of biodiversity across the Earth is one of the most challenging questions in biology. Much research has been directed at explaining the species latitudinal pattern showing that communities are richer in tropical areas; however, despite decades of research, a general consensus has not yet emerged. In addition, global biodiversity patterns are being rapidly altered by human activities. Here, we aim to describe large-scale patterns of species richness and diversity in terrestrial vertebrate scavenger (carrion-consuming) assemblages, which provide key ecosystem functions and services. We used a worldwide dataset comprising 43 sites, where vertebrate scavenger assemblages were identified using 2,485 carcasses monitored between 1991 and 2018. First, we evaluated how scavenger richness (number of species) and diversity (Shannon diversity index) varied among seasons (cold vs. warm, wet vs. dry). Then, we studied the potential effects of human impact and a set of macroecological variables related to climatic conditions on the scavenger assemblages. Vertebrate scavenger richness ranged from species-poor to species rich assemblages (4-30 species). Both scavenger richness and diversity also showed some seasonal variation. However, in general, climatic variables did not drive latitudinal patterns, as scavenger richness and diversity were not affected by temperature or rainfall. Rainfall seasonality slightly increased the number of species in the community, but its effect was weak. Instead, the human impact index included in our study was the main predictor of scavenger richness. Scavenger assemblages in highly human-impacted areas sustained the smallest number of scavenger species, suggesting human activity may be overriding other macroecological processes in shaping scavenger communities. Our results highlight the effect of human impact at a global scale. As species-rich assemblages tend to be more functional, we warn about possible reductions in ecosystem functions and the services provided by scavengers in human-dominated landscapes in the Anthropocene.
TL;DR: Genomic analysis of Saccharomyces hybrids shows complex hybridization in strains used in beer fermentation and genetic changes associated with adaptation to cold temperature and the crisp flavour of lager beer.
Abstract: The most common fermented beverage, lager beer, is produced by interspecies hybrids of the brewing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its wild relative S. eubayanus. Lager-brewing yeasts are not the only example of hybrid vigour or heterosis in yeasts, but the full breadth of interspecies hybrids associated with human fermentations has received less attention. Here we present a comprehensive genomic analysis of 122 Saccharomyces hybrids and introgressed strains. These strains arose from hybridization events between two to four species. Hybrids with S. cerevisiae contributions originated from three lineages of domesticated S. cerevisiae, including the major wine-making lineage and two distinct brewing lineages. In contrast, the undomesticated parents of these interspecies hybrids were all from wild Holarctic or European lineages. Most hybrids have inherited a mitochondrial genome from a parent other than S. cerevisiae, which recent functional studies suggest could confer adaptation to colder temperatures. A subset of hybrids associated with crisp flavour profiles, including both lineages of lager-brewing yeasts, have inherited inactivated S. cerevisiae alleles of critical phenolic off-flavour genes and/or lost functional copies from the wild parent through multiple genetic mechanisms. These complex hybrids shed light on the convergent and divergent evolutionary trajectories of interspecies hybrids and their impact on innovation in lager brewing and other diverse fermentation industries.
TL;DR: The most widely used pesticides affecting vulture populations, and associated with deliberate poisoning, are carbamates and organophosphorus compounds as discussed by the authors, which are the two most commonly used pesticides for poisoning vultures.
TL;DR: A lack of locally developed applied applied ecological research may inhibit the identification of novel solutions to coupled socio-ecological problems such as the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable food production as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: What do Colombia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea have in common? Not only are they among the most biodiverse countries in the world, they also face a suite of environmental problems relating to land‐use intensification, climate change, and wildlife management. Yet, at the same time, their capacity to respond to these issues remains weak; a weakness that is exacerbated by a deficit of the scientific research needed to guide policy and application (Barlow et al., 2018). A lack of locally developed applied ecological research may inhibit the identification of novel solutions to coupled socioecological problems such as the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable food production.
TL;DR: It is argued that a revision of the concept of marginality is necessary, together with explicit testing of population decline, which is increasingly possible as data availability improves, and should be based on taking the population perspective across a species' rear edge.
Abstract: According to broad-scale application of biogeographical theory, widespread retractions of species' rear edges should be seen in response to ongoing climate change. This prediction rests on the assumption that rear edge populations are "marginal" since they occur at the limit of the species' ecological tolerance and are expected to decline in performance as climate warming pushes them to extirpation. However, conflicts between observations and predictions are increasingly accumulating and little progress has been made in explaining this disparity. We argue that a revision of the concept of marginality is necessary, together with explicit testing of population decline, which is increasingly possible as data availability improves. Such action should be based on taking the population perspective across a species' rear edge, encompassing the ecological, geographical and genetic dimensions of marginality. Refining our understanding of rear edge populations is essential to advance our ability to monitor, predict and plan for the impacts of environmental change on species range dynamics.
TL;DR: There is an urgent need to regulate e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems, at least with the same restrictions to those applied to tobacco products, and not to consider them as harmless products.
Abstract: Electronic cigarettes, handheld devices that generate an aerosol that may contain nicotine by heating a solution or e-liquid, have been increasingly used especially in the young population. The aerosol's composition is determined by temperature, and by the substances contained in the heated liquid: glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine in variable concentrations, flavoring agents, and other non-nicotine compounds. >80 compounds (including known toxics, e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, metallic nanoparticles, and acrolein) have been found in e-liquid and aerosols. Airway irritation, mucus hypersecretion, and inflammatory response, including systemic changes, have been observed after the exposure to e-cigarettes, leading to an increase in respiratory symptoms and changes in respiratory function and the host defense mechanisms. E-cigarette has been linked with an increase of symptoms in individuals with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One of the major concerns in public health is the rise in e-cigarette experimentation among never-smokers, especially children and adolescents, which leads to nicotine addiction and increases the chances of becoming with time a conventional smoker. There is an urgent need to regulate e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems, at least with the same restrictions to those applied to tobacco products, and not to consider them as harmless products.
TL;DR: It is shown that lead contamination is an important threat for several vulture species worldwide, but remains undiagnosed and not well-recognized in some species and geographical areas.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the information available from the scientific literature on the effects of drones on wildlife and complement it with Internet (YouTube) information to evaluate whether recreational activities using drones produce behavioural responses from wildlife.
Abstract: Although drones are becoming very common in the skies, most concerns about their use are not focused on their possible impact on wildlife. We used the information available from the scientific literature on the effects of drones on wildlife and complement it with Internet (YouTube) information to evaluate whether recreational activities using drones produce behavioural responses from wildlife. Scientific papers specifically evaluating the effects of drones on wildlife are scarce but increasing. Nonetheless, we found abundant videos in which many species from different taxonomic groups and multiple countries presented behavioural responses to drone overflights. Furthermore, 26% of the species that were disturbed are included in one of the International Union for Conservation of Nature categories of threat. We found that wildlife that use aerial and terrestrial habitats are more likely to show a behavioural response than those occupying aquatic habitats. The Internet is becoming a source of evidence of disturbances to wildlife that should be considered, particularly for recreational activities. We advocate for the use of technology, but argue that funding and effort should be devoted to evaluating drone impacts on wildlife. We call for educational programmes for laypeople who use drones for recreation and for more research and regulations on their use in sensitive wildlife areas.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed powders rich in antioxidant compounds and pigments from three berries grown in argentine Patagonia: blackcurrant, raspberry and elderberry.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors synthesize existing knowledge of ecological stoichiometry, nutrient availability, and food webs in the mountain cryosphere (specifically glaciers and perennial snowfields) and use this synthesis to develop more general understanding of nutrient origins, distributions, and trophic interactions in mountain glaciers.
Abstract: Roughly 10% of the Earth’s surface is permanently covered by glaciers and ice sheets and in mountain ecosystems, this proportion of ice cover is often even higher. From an ecological perspective, ice-dominated ecosystems place harsh controls on life including cold temperature, limited nutrient availability, and often prolonged darkness due to snow cover for much of the year. Despite these limitations, glaciers and perennial snowfields still support diverse, primarily microbial communities, though macroinvertebrates and vertebrates are also present. The availability and mass balance of key elements [(carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P)] are known to influence the population dynamics of organisms, and ultimately shape the structure and function of ecosystems worldwide. While considerable attention has been devoted to patterns of existing biodiversity in mountain cryosphere-influenced ecosystems, the ecological stoichiometry of these habitats has been less studied. Understanding this emerging research arena is particularly pressing in light of the rapid recession of glaciers and perennial snowfields worldwide. In this review, we synthesize existing knowledge of ecological stoichiometry, nutrient availability, and food webs in the mountain cryosphere (specifically glaciers and perennial snowfields). We use this synthesis to develop more general understanding of nutrient origins, distributions, and trophic interactions in the mountain cryosphere. We focus our efforts on three major habitats: glacier surfaces (supraglacial), beneath glaciers (subglacial), and adjacent downstream habitats (i.e., glacier-fed streams and lakes). We compare nutrient availability in mountain cryosphere habitats to comparable habitats on continental ice sheets (e.g., Greenland and Antarctica) and show that, in general, nutrient levels are substantially different between the two. Next, we discuss how ongoing climate warming will alter nutrient and trophic dynamics in mountain glacier-influenced ecosystems. We conclude by highlighting the pressing need for future studies to understand spatial and temporal stoichiometric variation in the mountain cryosphere, ideally with direct comparisons to continental ice sheets, before these imperiled habitats vanish completely.
University of Barcelona1, University of the Basque Country2, Leibniz Association3, University of Grenoble4, Catalan Institute for Water Research5, Technical University of Berlin6, Nottingham Trent University7, National University of Comahue8, University of Oklahoma9, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology10, University of Zurich11, Spanish National Research Council12, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev13, University of Lorraine14, University of Concepción15, University of California, Berkeley16, Edith Cowan University17, University of Antioquia18, Queensland Government19, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei20, University of San Diego21, University of Arizona22, La Trobe University23, SUPSI24, Griffith University25, University of Navarra26, IRSA27, University of Murcia28, National Scientific and Technical Research Council29, Queen Mary University of London30, University of Canberra31, University of Canterbury32, University of Windsor33, Institut national de la recherche agronomique34, Ruppin Academic Center35, Umeå University36, University of Coimbra37, Loughborough University38, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife39, University of Parma40, University of Otago41, Queensland University of Technology42, Julius Kühn-Institut43, University of Münster44, University of Zagreb45, Rhodes University46, University of Granada47, University of Évora48, Missouri University of Science and Technology49, University of Vigo50, Masaryk University51, University of Montenegro52, University of Rennes53, University of New England (Australia)54, University of Niš55, University of Trento56, Free University of Berlin57, James Cook University58, University of Washington59, Aarhus University60, University of Rostock61, University of Tübingen62
TL;DR: In this paper, a global study examined sediments from 200 dry IRES reaches spanning multiple biomes and found that mean respiration increased 32-fold to 66-fold upon sediment rewetting.
Abstract: Intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams (IRES) may represent over half the global stream network, but their contribution to respiration and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is largely undetermined. In particular, little is known about the variability and drivers of respiration in IRES sediments upon rewetting, which could result in large pulses of CO2. We present a global study examining sediments from 200 dry IRES reaches spanning multiple biomes. Results from standardized assays show that mean respiration increased 32‐fold to 66‐fold upon sediment rewetting. Structural equation modeling indicates that this response was driven by sediment texture and organic matter quantity and quality, which, in turn, were influenced by climate, land use, and riparian plant cover. Our estimates suggest that respiration pulses resulting from rewetting of IRES sediments could contribute significantly to annual CO2 emissions from the global stream network, with a single respiration pulse potentially increasing emission by 0.2–0.7%. As the spatial and temporal extent of IRES increases globally, our results highlight the importance of recognizing the influence of wetting‐drying cycles on respiration and CO2 emissions in stream networks.
TL;DR: The challenge remains for models to include disturbance, resource availability, and biotic factors, as well as to better quantify uncertainty, to improve the predictive power of SDMs for productive systems in the context of a rapidly changing World.
Abstract: Predicting the potential distribution of harmful species to agriculture, livestock and forestry is decisive to prevent their impacts, especially when these are expanding their range due to global c...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate financial costs and preliminary results of direct seeding as compared to outplanting of nursery-grown seedlings of three native species (Atriplex lampa, Senecio subulatus var. sub-ulatus, and Hyalis argentea var. latisquama) considered to be high priority dryland framework species.
Abstract: In large areas of the world that are deeply scarred by desertification and hampered by low capacity for natural regeneration, the scaling up of ecological restoration and rehabilitation can be achieved only if it is low in cost with high return on investment, and shows promise of providing long‐lasting social‐economic as well as ecological benefits. In the Monte Austral region of Patagonia Argentina, concerted efforts are underway to facilitate scaling up of ecological restoration and rehabilitation practices. Here, we evaluate financial costs and preliminary results of direct seeding as compared to outplanting of nursery‐grown seedlings of three native species (Atriplex lampa, Senecio subulatus var. subulatus, and Hyalis argentea var. latisquama) considered to be high‐priority dryland framework species. Comparative success is expressed in terms of plant survival and in monetary terms. The three candidate species showed low survival rates, ranging from 4.3 to 22.3%, after the first summer following direct seeding. In contrast, survival rates for planted seedlings of the same three taxa varied between 84 and 91%, after the first summer following reintroduction. However, cost of direct seeding varied between 1,693 and 1,772 US$ less per hectare, that is, 64% less than the cost of outplanting nursery seedlings. Therefore, in the search for ways to scale up ecological restoration and rehabilitation in drylands, direct seeding should receive more attention. We discuss the social and ecological perspectives and the way forward for direct seeding techniques in Patagonia. We also consider how costs could be reduced and effectiveness improved in large‐scale efforts.
TL;DR: Crespo, Enrique Alberto, et al. as mentioned in this paper presented a study on the use of Sistemas Marinos in the context of the Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet.
Abstract: Fil: Crespo, Enrique Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagonico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; Argentina
TL;DR: There is a need to better control pathogens in rubbish dumps to avoid the risk of infecting wildlife, which could act as potential dispersers and reservoirs of these pathogens.
Abstract: We thank Agencia Nacional de Promocion Cientifica y Tecnologica (ANPCYT–FONCYT, PICT (BID) 0725-2014, Argentina) and Universidad Nacional del Comahue project 04/B227 for financial support.
TL;DR: Positive and linear relationship between arsenic in all pair of organs was found in creole perch, while rainbow trout showed a quadratic relationship between muscle and the remaining organs, indicating different arsenic assimilation-elimination relationships between organs and fish.
TL;DR: It is shown that bee pollination resulted in higher fruit production, and heavier and more homogeneous fruits than artificial pollination, and growers and land managers are encouraged to use pollination management practices based on honey bees, instead of the use of mechanical pollination systems.