Abundant Species Research Articles

Smuggling unnoticed: towards a 2D view of water and dust delivery to the inner regions of protoplanetary discs

ABSTRACT Infrared spectroscopy, e.g. with JWST, provides a glimpse into the chemical inventory of the innermost region of protoplanetary discs, where terrestrial planets eventually form. The chemical make-up of regions inside snowlines is connected to the material drifting from the outer regions, which can be modelled with dust evolution models. However, infrared observations are limited by the high dust extinction in the inner disc, and only probes the abundances of gaseous species in the disc surface layers. As a result, the bulk mass of delivered volatiles is not directly relatable to what is measured through infrared spectra. In this paper, we investigate how the delivery of dust and ice after prolonged pebble drift affects the observable reservoir of water vapour in the inner disc. We develop a 1 + 1D approach based on dust evolution models to determine the delivery and distribution of vapour compared to the height of the $\tau = 1$ surface in the dust continuum. We find that the observable column density of water vapour at wavelengths probed by JWST spans many orders of magnitude over time, exhibiting different radial profiles depending on dust properties, drift rate, and local processing. In the presence of a traffic-jam effect inside the snowline, the observable vapour reservoir appears constant in time despite the ongoing delivery by pebble drift, such that water is effectively smuggled unnoticed. Differences in measured column densities then originate not only from variations in bulk vapour content, but also from differences in the properties and distribution of dust particles.

Wild bees show local spatial and temporal dynamics in southeastern US blueberry farmscapes.

Wild bee communities are the target of various conservation and ecological restoration programs. Strategic conservation can influence bee communities visiting fields and help mitigate pollinator limitations in fruit production. However, planning compatible conservation strategies and gauging their effectiveness requires understanding how local communities vary across space and time in crops and adjacent semi-natural areas. Here, we assessed the spatiotemporal changes in the composition of wild bee communities in blueberry fields and adjacent forests. In partnership with commercial farms in southeast Georgia, USA, we deployed blue vane traps at the interior and edge of blueberry fields and within adjacent forests of 8 fields, from March to October over 2 yr. We identified 72 wild bee species across 26 genera. The most common were Melissodes communis (Cresson, Hymenoptera: Apidae), Bombus bimaculatus (Cresson, Apidae), Melissodes bimaculatus (Lepeletier), Ceratina floridana (Mitchell, Apidae), Lasioglossum pectorale (Smith, Halictidae), and Lasioglossum nymphale (Smith), which accounted for nearly 60% of the wild bees caught. Bee diversity and richness fluctuated over time, with peaks in all 3 habitat types occurring after the blueberry blooming. Bee abundance in the adjacent forest was relatively constant throughout the season, while in the field interior and edge assemblages, abundance peaked between May and June. We observed dissimilarity in species composition related to month and field location. This difference was explained by fluctuation in the identity and relative abundance of the most abundant species. Together, our study advances foundational knowledge of wild bee community dynamics and species identity in blueberry fields which will help inform and prioritize conservation practices.

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Population Dynamics of Two Sympatric Species: The Rock Shrimps Sicyonia dorsalis Kingsley, 1878 and Sicyonia typica (Boeck, 1864) (Penaeoidea: Sicyoniidae) on the Coast of Ilhéus, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

Rock shrimps (Sicyonia dorsalis and Sicyonia typica) are commonly caught as bycatch during shrimp trawling along the Brazilian coast, but are not commercially exploited due to their small size and hard carapace. This study evaluated their spatio-temporal distribution, size classes, and sex ratio near the Almada River Estuary, Ilhéus, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, and tested correlations between environmental factors and species abundance. Samples were collected monthly using double-rig trawl nets in the estuary and along transects at depths of 5–35 m. Bottom water and sediment samples were obtained for analyses of environmental factors. In total, 5336 individuals of S. dorsalis and 303 individuals of S. typica were collected. No individuals were recorded in the estuary. Both species were significantly more abundant between 25 and 35 m, where fine sediment with high levels of organic matter occurred. Considering the temporal variation, their abundance decreased during the rainy season, coinciding with increased river flow. Organic matter content, salinity, and water transparency were the primary environmental factors influencing abundance. Females were generally larger and predominant compared to males, likely due to life cycle dynamics. Despite being congeneric and sympatric, the species exhibited distinct population patterns, possibly to avoid niche overlap and competition.

Leading the Way: Working Towards Heritage-Led Nature Recovery in Natural England

ABSTRACT The climate and biodiversity crises are an immediate and existential threat, risking the widespread loss and degradation of habitats across England. The UK Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan commits us to being the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, and the long-term conservation and enhancement of the historic environment is an essential component of this commitment. However, as the pressure mounts to deliver nature recovery faster, at greater scale and within increasingly tighter budgets, does heritage run the risk of being overlooked? Natural England’s 2023 guidance Nature Recovery and the Historic Environment provides a best-practice framework to ensure appropriate integration of heritage into nature recovery, but it also goes further – exploring the correlations between our historic and natural environments and the ways in which heritage assets can provide added value to nature recovery projects. This paper will take this thinking a step further and consider how projects led by heritage can deliver across the full spectrum of environmental objectives: to inform, inspire and improve habitat restoration, species abundance, soil health, improved air and water quality, public access, landscape distinctiveness and rural placemaking.

Synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography enhances our knowledge of the skull anatomy of a Late Triassic ecteniniid cynodont with hypercanines.

Hypercanines, or hypertrophied canines, are observed in a wide range of both extinct and extant synapsids. In non-mammaliaform cynodonts, the Permo-Triassic forerunners of mammals, long canines are not uncommon, appearing in several unrelated taxa within the clade. Among them is Trucidocynodon riograndensis, a carnivorous ecteniniid cynodont from the Late Triassic of Brazil, which exhibits a specialized dentition, including spear-shaped incisors, very long and narrow canines, and sectorial postcanines with distally oriented cusps, all of which have finely serrated margins. Recent synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography of a large specimen (CAPPA/UFSM 0029; Várzea do Agudo site, Brazil) provides new insights into its lower jaw and dentition, as well as offers the first digital endocast of an ecteniniid. Our study reveals the presence of (i) putatively opened-root canines in the adult stage and the possible presence of unresorbed remnant of an old canine, which may indicate that the specimen stopped replacing its canines; (ii) lower canines that are longer than the upper canines and, in occlusion, were kept inside deep paracanine fossae that perforated the dorsal surface of the rostrum; (iii) a diastema between the incisors and lower canine, which is absent in the holotype; (iv) advanced brain structures, such as the absence of a pineal body, presence of cerebral hemispheres divided by the interhemispheric sulcus and expanded laterally, and a higher encephalization quotient than non-mammaliaform prozostrodonts, reflecting the homoplastic evolution of relative brain sizes observed in Triassic cynodont lineages. Finally, the abundance of carnivorous and omnivorous species at the Várzea do Agudo site, where the specimen was found-including the archosauriforms Dynamosuchus collisensis and Stenoscelida aurantiacus-suggests a diverse predator guild that warrants further investigation from a paleoecological perspective.

Rumen Bacterial Community Responses to Three DHA Supplements: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the loss of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from three supplements (two powders and one oil) after digestion (rumen and gastrointestinal) and their effects on the number and composition of rumen bacteria, using an in vitro approach. The concentration of supplements has a significant impact on the DHA loss rate and algal oil exhibited the highest rate of loss, but bioaccessibility was not significantly different from the other supplements. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that three DHA supplements altered the bacterial composition of in vitro batch cultures inoculated with rumen microorganisms from cows, and caused changes in the relative abundance of important bacterial phyla, families, and genera. DHA supplements altered the abundance of bacterial species, including Prevotella, Ruminobacter, Succiniclassicum, Succinivibrio, Lachnospiraceae, and Muribaculaceae. Importantly, these changes may be associated with the ruminal response in biohydrogenation. Algal oil has the most significant impact on rumen microbiota by reducing the richness and diversity of rumen microbiota, and significantly altering the composition of multiple important microbiota.

Snake Diversity in Human Landscapes: A Comprehensive Study of Snake Species in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

This comprehensive study documents the diversity of snake species within the human landscape of Kushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Carrying out extensive fieldwork using direct and indirect encounter methods revealed 18 snake species from six families, with the Indian Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) being the dominant venomous species, along with Russell's viper (Vipera russellii) and the Indian Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus). Biostatistical analysis showed that the Colubridae family was the most diverse group, comprising 61% of the recorded snake species. Species richness, abundance, and diversity indices were analysed, with the Shannon Diversity Index (H') and Simpson Diversity Index (D) indicating variations in species richness and evenness across different areas. The correlation matrix highlighted ecological interactions, such as predator-prey dynamics and habitat sharing, while non-parametric tests revealed significant differences in abundance among the study areas. The study emphasizes the importance of utilizing additional biostatistical strategies to examine non-normally distributed data and ensure robust conclusions. The findings contribute to understanding snake ecology and provide valuable insights for habitat management and biodiversity conservation planning in the Kushinagar region, which is crucial for protecting these enigmatic animals and their ecosystems.

Dietary protein source alters gut microbiota composition and function.

The source of protein in a persons diet affects their total life expectancy. However, the mechanisms by which dietary protein sources differentially impact human health and life expectancy are poorly understood. Dietary choices have major impacts on the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota that ultimately modulate host health. This raises the possibility that health outcomes based on dietary protein sources might be driven by interactions between dietary protein and the gut microbiota. In this study, we determined the effects of seven different sources of dietary protein on the gut microbiota of mice using an integrated metagenomics-metaproteomics approach. The protein abundances measured by metaproteomics can provide microbial species abundances, and evidence for the molecular phenotype of microbiota members because measured proteins indicate the metabolic and physiological processes used by a microbial community. We showed that dietary protein source significantly altered the species composition and overall function of the gut microbiota. Different dietary protein sources led to changes in the abundance of microbial proteins involved in the degradation of amino acids and the degradation of glycosylations conjugated to dietary protein. In particular, brown rice and egg white protein increased the abundance of amino acid degrading enzymes. Egg white protein increased the abundance of bacteria and proteins usually associated with the degradation of the intestinal mucus barrier. These results show that dietary protein sources can change the gut microbiotas metabolism, which could have major implications in the context of gut microbiota mediated diseases.

The current state of the benthic communities in the area of the Cape Svyatoy settlement of the Iceland scallop in the Barents Sea

The aim. Assessment of the current state of the zoobenthos in the southern part of the Cape Svyatoy settlement of the Iceland scallop in five years after the finish of its commercial exploitation.Material and methods used. Analyzed material was sampled from the R/V «Professor Boyko» during a resource survey of the Icelandic scallop in the Barents Sea in September 2023. A complete quantitative taxonomic analysis of the Sigsbee trawl bycatches of bottom invertebrates was carried out at 85 stations within twelve-mile zone of the Cape Svyatoy settlement of the Icelandic scallop. Four indices were used for assessment of the macrobenthos ecological quality: Clark’s W-statistic, the predominant life strategy index DE, AMBI and M-AMBI indices.The results. The main characteristics of macrozoobenthos in the area of the Cape Svyatoy settlement of the Iceland scallop are described (taxonomic composition, distribution of species richness, diversity, total abundance and biomass, list of the most abundant species, characteristics and distribution of the main bottom communities). The level of average benthic biomass within the study area is estimated as lower than expected given the long preceding warm period. Based on comparison of 2016 and 2023 benthic data, the positive dynamics of the trophic structure of benthos are noted. According to results of bio-testing the ecological state of benthos, in the main part of the study area, is assessed as good and undisturbed, with the exception of area to southeast of Cape Svyatoy, where the lower values of ecological status, abundance and species diversity of benthos are caused by natural environmental conditions.Practical significance: The results of the study provides insight into the bottom communities’ recovery after intensive fishing pressure.

Understanding Patterns of the Gut Microbiome May Contribute to the Early Detection and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

The rising burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global public health problem, particularly prominent in developing countries. The early detection of T2DM and prediabetes is vital for reversing the outcome of disease, allowing early intervention. In the past decade, various microbiome-metabolome studies have attempted to address the question of whether there are any common microbial patterns that indicate either prediabetic or diabetic gut microbial signatures. Because current studies have a high methodological heterogeneity and risk of bias, we have selected studies that adhered to similar design and methodology. We performed a systematic review to assess if there were any common changes in microbiome belonging to diabetic, prediabetic and healthy individuals. The cross-sectional studies presented here collectively covered a population of 65,754 people, with 1800 in the 2TD group, 2770 in the prediabetic group and 61,184 in the control group. The overall microbial diversity scores were lower in the T2D and prediabetes cohorts in 86% of the analyzed studies. Re-programming of the microbiome is potentially one of the safest and long-lasting ways to eliminate diabetes in its early stages. The differences in the abundance of certain microbial species could serve as an early warning for a dysbiotic gut environment and could be easily modified before the onset of disease by changes in lifestyle, taking probiotics, introducing diet modifications or stimulating the vagal nerve. This review shows how metagenomic studies have and will continue to identify novel therapeutic targets (probiotics, prebiotics or targets for elimination from flora). This work clearly shows that gut microbiome intervention studies, if performed according to standard operating protocols using a predefined analytic framework (e.g., STORMS), could be combined with other similar studies, allowing broader conclusions from collating all global cohort studies efforts and eliminating the effect-size statistical insufficiency of a single study.

A DNA origami-based enzymatic cascade nanoreactor for chemodynamic cancer therapy and activation of antitumor immunity.

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is a promising and potent therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancer. We developed a DNA origami-based enzymatic cascade nanoreactor (DOECN) containing spatially well-organized Au nanoparticles and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) nanoclusters for targeted delivery and inhibition of tumor cell growth. The DOECN can synergistically promote the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), consumption of glutathione, and creation of an acidic environment, thereby amplifying the Fenton-type reaction and producing abundant reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), for augmenting the CDT outcome. The DOECN is decorated with targeting groups to achieve efficient cellular uptake and efficiently induce tumor cell apoptosis, ferroptosis, and immunogenetic cell death, thus realizing potent anticancer therapeutic effects. Intravenous injection of the DOECN effectively promoted the maturation of dendritic cells, triggered adaptive T cell responses, and suppressed tumor growth in a murine cancer model. The DOECN provides a programmable platform for the integration of multiple therapeutic components, showing great potential for combined cancer therapy.

Distribution of Vegetation and Soil Seed Banks Across Habitat Types in Paddy Fields Under Different Farming Practices.

Paddy field ecosystems are crucial for crop production, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services. Although previous studies have examined paddy field biodiversity, few have addressed how the distribution and species richness of vegetation and soil seed banks are regulated. This study investigated the distribution of wetland plants and soil seed banks in paddy fields across diverse habitat types and identified factors influencing their patterns. Surveys revealed that conventional paddy field habitats contained only a few herbicide-tolerant species (e.g., Portulaca oleracea L., Cardamine flexuosa With., and Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser). In contrast, organic paddy field habitats exhibited higher species richness and abundance. Cluster analysis and nonmetric multidimensional scaling demonstrated that soil seed bank distribution differed markedly in paddy field habitats with different farming practices and was influenced by distinct soil factors. These findings highlight the importance of understanding vegetation and soil seed bank dynamics in paddy field ecosystems to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Two decades of arthropod biodiversity after windthrow show different dynamics of functional groups

Abstract Windthrow disturbance is an important driver of arthropod diversity in forests. In the past, studies have mainly focused on the first years after disturbance, and there are hardly any data on arthropod trajectories in windthrows and on salvage logging effects over decades. We sampled arthropods of different functional groups on 16 permanent plots following two windstorms (Vivian and Lothar) in coniferous and broadleaf forests at different elevations in Central Europe over two decades. Flight interception and pitfall traps were operated during the entire growing seasons in three habitat types per site: unsalvaged windthrow, salvaged windthrow and control forest. In total, 524,115 individuals from 1666 arthropod species were identified, of which more than 90% occurred in windthrows, including 40%–53% species exclusively found in windthros. Over the two decades, saproxylics, herbivores, pollinators, predators and endangered species showed significantly higher species numbers and abundances in windthrows than in control forests, where only 6% exclusive species occurred. Arthropod communities in windthrows showed distinct dynamics during the two decades. Their species numbers and abundances peaked in the first 3 years, coined by saproxylic species, such as bark beetles, and by pollinating hoverflies. While abundances declined rapidly, species numbers remained elevated for two decades. Arthropod similarity between windthrows and forests (indicating resilience) increased with time but depended on elevation and forest type. After 20 years, it reached an average of 50% in lowland broadleaf forests, but only 30% in high‐elevation spruce forests, indicating lower resilience. Salvage logging had no significant effect on overall species numbers but altered species composition. More than 10% exclusive species were found in salvaged and up to 20% in unsalvaged windthrows, with the latter supporting more endangered species, particularly towards the second decade. Synthesis and applications. Our study shows that windthrow causes an initial boost of arthropod diversity. While abundances thereafter rapidly decline, species numbers remain at relatively high levels during at least two decades. Unsalvaged windthrows are an indispensable resource for endangered species, particularly in later wood decay stages.

Deep sequencing-derived Metagenome Assembled Genomes from the gut microbiome of liver transplant patients

Recurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) after liver transplantation (LT) is a continuing concern. The role of gut microbiome dysbiosis in MASLD initiation and progression has been well established. However, there is a lack of comprehensive gut microbiome shotgun sequence data for patients experiencing MASLD recurrence after LT. In this data descriptor, we describe a dataset of deep metagenomic sequences of a well-defined LT recipient population. Community-based analysis revealed a high abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, consistently observed in most patient samples with a low (0–2) MASLD Activity Score (NAS). We constructed 357 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including 220 high-quality MAGs (>90% completion). The abundance of different species of Bacteroides MAGs dominated in patient samples with NAS > 5 (“definite MASH”). In contrast, the MAGs of A. muciniphila, Akkermansia sp., and Blutia sp. dominated in samples from patients without MASH (NAS = 0–2). In addition, the phylogenetic analysis of A. muciniphila and Akkermansia sp. MAGs identified two new phylogroups of Akkermansia that are distinct from the previously reported three phylogroups.

10-Years of imagery from a cabled-observatory reveals a decreasing trend in coastal fish biodiversity.

Monitoring the effects of climate change and other multi-years processes on coastal ecosystems require long-term datasets that may extend into decades. One tool to achieve this are cabled seafloor observatories that can collect continual streams of environmental and biological data as long as the equipment is maintained. Here, we used 10-years of time-lapse images (every 30 mins) from the OBSEA seafloor cabled observatory located at 20m depth, four km offshore from Vilanova i la Geltrú (Spain) coast, to characterize temporal trends in fish community dynamics. These temporal trends were compared to in situ and remotely-sensed (MODIS-Aqua) data on temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a). We observed a reduction in fish diversity over time and an increase in species turnover. Specifically, there was a decrease in the relative abundance of fish species at the lowest trophic levels alongside an increase in predators, suggesting a top-down effect. Of temperature, salinity, and Chl-a, only salinity exhibited a significant change over time. Nevertheless, the Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) revealed significant correlations between fish biodiversity indices and both temperature and Chl-a. Following models results we concluded that environmental variables affected the local fish community only at seasonal level. Including more environmental variables, such as fishing activity and pollution, in the applied models may help explain the detected decreases in biodiversity.

Molecular and taxonomical study of the genus Chara (Linnaeus 1753) in Israel

Abstract Israel’s climate is characterized by hot and dry summers and cool, rainy winters in the northern and coastal regions, whereas the southern and eastern regions are arid. The aquatic macrophyte Chara is a common genus in Israel, and its distribution varies across Israel’s climatic gradient. Although few studies described the abundance and taxonomy of the local Chara species in Israel, only little is known about the molecular taxonomy of this group in the region. We sampled Chara species along Israel’s climatic gradient and identified specimens using the classical taxonomy key and molecular identification methods. We characterized the molecular taxonomy of four Chara species: C. vulgaris, C. contraria, C. gymnophylla, and C. globata. Notably, the latter species, which was found in a hyper-arid area, was last recorded in Israel ~50 years ago on the northern Mediterranean coast and Judaean Mountains. Chara gymnophylla was more abundant in northern Israel, while C. vulgaris and C. contraria were common in southern Israel. We developed Inter Simple Sequence Repeat markers to identify the four species and sequenced their chloroplast gene rbcL. The phylogenetic trees generated using the rbcL sequences and ISSR-based dendrogram were consistent with the classical taxonomy of Chara.

Influence of temperature on growth and reproduction of keystone species, Crangon hakodatei (Caridea, Crangonidae) in the East Sea of Korea.

The rapid rise in temperature due to climate change has raised concerns about its impact on the keystone species Crangon hakodatei in the East Sea of Korea. However, no studies have examined the population characteristics of C. hakodatei or its response to temperature change along the coast. In this study, we investigated these aspects using year-round sampling of C. hakodatei and environmental data collected along the east coast of South Korea. A positive correlation was observed between shrimp abundance and temperature. Specifically, both the growth and reproductive characteristics of C. hakodatei were affected by temperature variations. Females and males grew more slowly during the spawning season and cold periods, respectively. Notably, primary breeding, with the highest participation of females, occurred during the coldest periods in the East Sea. Overall, these results warn of a climate crisis leading to a reduced abundance of keystone species in Korean coastal waters.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Trichoderma Isolates from Vegetable Crop Rhizospheres in Nepal.

Trichoderma spp. hold significant potential as biocontrol agents in agriculture due to their antagonistic properties against plant pathogens. The study aimed to characterize and identify Trichoderma isolates from rhizospheric regions of vegetable crops. In this study, Trichoderma isolates were collected from rhizospheric soil samples of vegetable crops from different ecological zones and were selected for comprehensive morphological and molecular characterization. The isolates were visually assessed for colony color, growth pattern, aerial mycelium presence, phialide and conidial morphology, and chlamydospore presence. Molecular analysis was employed based on ITS and tef-1α sequences. Diversity indices were also computed for different ecological zones. The morphological characteristics and phylogenetic trees for both regions provided a clear species resolution, with four main clades: Harzianum, Viride, Brevicompactum and Longibrachiatum with 12 species T. harzinaum, T. afroharzianum, T. lentiforme, T. inhamatum, T. camerunense, T. azevedoi, T. atroviride, T. asperellum, T. asperelloides, T. koningii, T. longibrachiatum and T. brevicompactum and nine species as a new country record. Diversity indices indicated that high mountain regions displayed the highest species diversity and evenness (H = 1.724 [0.28], J = 0.84, D = 0.28), followed by hilly regions (H = 1.563 [0.28], J = 0.72, D = 0.28). Plains, on the other hand, exhibited lower species diversity (H = 1.515, J = 0.66, D = 0.33). The calculated species abundance values showed that plains (E = 2.11), mid-hills (E = 1.95), and high mountains (E = 1.99) each had their unique diversity profiles. Notably, T. afroharzianum and T. asperellum were predominant. Overall, the study unveiled a rich diversity of Trichoderma species in different agricultural zones of Nepal. These findings shed light on the ecological distribution and diversity of Trichoderma spp., which could have significant implications for sustainable agriculture and biological control strategies.

Effects of Different Intertillage Practices on Soil Biochemical Properties and Soybean Yield in Soybean Fields

Heilongjiang Province, China, is a major soybean-producing area where low temperatures in early spring and poor soil moisture retention are the main limiting factors leading to low soybean yields. To improve land productivity, this study was conducted in Heilongjiang Province, China, from 2020–2021 via a field plot trial method, where four different intertillage treatments were set up in 2020: conventional intertillage (T1), early intertillage (T2), conventional subsoiling (T3), and early subsoiling (T4). In 2021, the effects of intertillage on soil biochemical characteristics and soybean yield formation were systematically analyzed under the T5 treatment (subsoiling at the stage of full development from the fourth to the fifth compound leaf) and the T6 treatment (soil culture at the stage of full development from the fourth to the fifth compound leaf). The results of the experiment revealed that deep loosening in advance improved the chemical properties of the soil. Compared with those of the T1 treatment, the contents of the organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus and potassium in the early subsoiling treatments (T4, T5, and T6) were significantly increased. Intertillage time and depth had a strong influence on the soil microbial characteristics. Early medium intertillage could significantly increase the species abundance of bacteria and fungi in the soil, whereas subsoiling could increase the relative abundance ratio and uniformity of the dominant species. Compared with that in the T1 treatment, the yield of soybean in the T4 treatment was significantly greater, with yield increases ranging from 18.71% to 19.36%. In summary, the intertillage measures of one deep loosening and one medium soil cultivation at the stage of full development from the fourth to the fifth compound leaf and one large soil cultivation at the stage of full development from the sixth to the seventh compound leaf can be adopted on the basis of early deep loosening 4–5 d after soybean sowing to achieve high soybean yields. The results provide a theoretical basis for increasing the yield and efficiency of soybean fields under corn–soybean rotation, as well as innovation and development of cultivation systems

Conservation Attitudes and Perceived Biodiversity Among Divers on the Spanish Mediterranean Coast: Insights from Local Ecological Knowledge

The Mediterranean Sea, a global biodiversity hotspot, faces significant threats that compromise its ecological health. While Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, their effectiveness is debated, and empirical data on their impact remain limited. This study evaluates the utility of Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) from divers along the Spanish Mediterranean coast to assess perceived abundance of sentinel species in both MPAs and non-protected areas, in relation to empirical data, alongside divers’ attitudes toward ocean threats and conservation strategies. Divers perceived higher abundance and subjective health indicators of key species, such as Posidonia oceanica, octocorals, and top predators within MPAs, which aligns with empirical evidence supporting MPA effectiveness in conserving biodiversity and mitigating human disturbances. Notably, divers showed knowledge gaps, particularly underestimating climate change impacts while overemphasizing pollution threats. Diver education emerged as a critical factor in shaping conservation attitudes, with higher education levels correlating with increased environmental awareness and stronger support for conservation measures. This study underscores the potential of leveraging LEK in marine conservation strategies while acknowledging limitations related to self-reported data and regional specificity, advocating for expanded geographic scope and integration with empirical data in future research.