Biogeographic Zones Research Articles

Spatial and Temporal Scales Matter When Assessing the Species and Genetic Diversity of Springtails (Collembola) in Antarctica

Seven species of springtail (Collembola) are present in Victoria Land, Antarctica and all have now been sequenced at the DNA barcoding region of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI). Here, we review these sequence data (n = 930) from the GenBank and Barcode of Life Datasystems (BOLD) online databases and provide additional, previously unpublished sequences (n = 392) to assess the geographic distribution of COI variants across all species. Four species (Kaylathalia klovstadi, Cryptopygus cisantarcticus, Friesea grisea and C. terranovus) are restricted to northern Victoria Land and three (Antarcticinella monoculata, Cryptopygus nivicolus and Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni) are found only in southern Victoria Land, the two biogeographic zones which are separated by the vicinity of the Drygalski Ice Tongue. We found highly divergent lineages within all seven species (range 1.7 – 14.7%) corresponding to different geographic locations. Levels of genetic divergence for the southern Victoria Land species Gomphiocephalus hodgsoni, the most widespread species (~ 27,000 km2), ranged from 5.9% to 7.3% at sites located within 30 km, but separated by glaciers. We also found that the spatial patterns of genetic divergence differed between species. For example, levels of divergence were much higher for Cryptopygus terranovus (> 10%) than for Friesea grisea ( 5%) populations and over 87% of the total genetic variation (based on AMOVA) on either side of a single, 16 km width glacier. Collectively, these data provide evidence for limited dispersal opportunities among populations of springtails due to geological and glaciological barriers (e.g. glaciers and ice tongues). Some locations harboured highly genetically divergent populations and these areas are highlighted from a conservation perspective as well as avoiding human-mediated transport between sites. We conclude that species-specific spatial and temporal scales need to be considered when addressing ecological and physiological questions as well as conservation strategies for Antarctic Collembola.

Widespread shifts in the coastal biota of northern California during the 2014\u20132016 marine heatwaves

During 2014–2016, severe marine heatwaves in the northeast Pacific triggered well-documented disturbances including mass mortalities, harmful algal blooms, and declines in subtidal kelp beds. However, less attention has been directed towards understanding how changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and alongshore currents during this period influenced the geographic distribution of coastal taxa. Here, we examine these effects in northern California, USA, with a focus on the region between Point Reyes and Point Arena. This region represents an important biogeographic transition zone that lies <150 km north of Monterey Bay, California, where numerous southern species have historically reached their northern (poleward) range limits. We report substantial changes in geographic distributions and/or abundances across a diverse suite of 67 southern species, including an unprecedented number of poleward range extensions (37) and striking increases in the recruitment of owl limpets (Lottia gigantea) and volcano barnacles (Tetraclita rubescens). These ecological responses likely arose through the combined effects of extreme SST, periods of anomalous poleward flow, and the unusually long duration of heatwave events. Prolonged marine heatwaves and enhanced poleward dispersal may play an important role in longer-term shifts in the composition of coastal communities in northern California and other biogeographic transition zones.

Middle ordovician conodonts from the Chingiz Ridge (Kazakhstan): taxonomy of the Naiman Formation assemblage and its biogeographic affinity

Conodonts from carbonate rocks of the Naiman Formation (Chingiz Ridge, East Kazakhstan) have been studied in detail for the first time. The mixed conodont complex is characterized by a high taxonomic diversity and includes species of the stratigraphic interval from the upper part of the Dapingian to the middle of the Darriwilian of the Middle Ordovician. The conodont assemblage includes oceanic/deep-sea species of wide geographic distribution, in particular, abundant Periodon macrodentatus and P. zgierzensis, which are typical for siliceous deposits of Kazakhstan. For the first time, the occurrence of species Scolopodus? mufushanensis, Drepanoistodus latus and Anodontus longus is noted in Kazakhstan. This indicates the existence of the biogeographic climatic zones typical for pelagic biota. The species Protopanderodus? nogamii indicates that the Kazakhstan conodont fauna belongs to the Australasian biogeographic province of the Eastern Gondwana. The conodont assemblage includes a number of regionally endemic taxa that characterize the Kazakhstan fauna as an independent biogeographic unit and confirm the relative remoteness of water basins of Kazakhstan from the eastern margin of Gondwana as well as from other paleocontinents in the Ordovician.

Holocene land cover and population dynamics in Southern France

This paper describes long-term changes in human population and vegetation cover in southern France, using summed radiocarbon probability distributions and site count data as population proxies and information from fossil pollen cores as a proxy for past land cover. Southern France is particularly well-suited to this type of study as a result of previous programmes of intensive survey work and excavation in advance of large-scale construction. These make it possible to calibrate the larger scale occupation patterns in the light of the visibility issues created by the burial of archaeological sites beneath alluvial sediments. For purposes of analysis, the region was divided into three biogeographical zones (BGZ), going from the Mediterranean coast to the middle Rhône valley (MRV). All the different population proxies in a given zone show broadly similar patterns of fluctuation, though with varying levels of resolution. The long-term patterns in the different zones all show significant differences from the overall regional pattern, but this is especially the case for the non-Mediterranean middle Rhône area. Cluster analysis of pollen samples has been carried out to identify the main regional land cover types through the Holocene, which are increasingly dominated by open types over time. A variety of other pollen indicators show evidence of increasing human impact through time. Measures of human impact correlate strongly with the population proxies. A series of thresholds are identified in the population–human impact trajectory that are related to other changes in the cultural sequence. The lack of independent climate data for the region means that its impact cannot currently be assessed with confidence. However, for the later periods, it is clear that the incorporation of southern France into larger regional systems played a major role in accounting for changes in land cover and settlement.

Fine root biomass, production and turnover rates in plantations versus natural forests: effects of stand characteristics and soil properties

Fine roots play a significant role in regulating the biogeochemical cycles of forest ecosystems, but how fine root biomass (FRB), production (FRP) and turnover rates (FRT) vary with forest origins remains not well understood. The meta-analysis approach was used to examine the differences in FRB, FRP and FRT between plantations and their adjacent natural forests based on 238 cases reported in 45 published studies. FRB and FRP were 36.5% and 36.0% lower, respectively, in plantations than in natural forests. FRT was 22.4% higher in plantations relative to natural forests. The decrease in FRB in plantations relative to natural forests varied among plantations with different plant genera and root diameter classes. The general patterns for FRP and FRT in relation to various factors (biogeographic zone, leaf form, leaf seasonality, plant genus in plantations, and root diameter class) did not differ among the groups. The difference in FRB between plantations and natural forests was positively correlated with stand age but negatively related with soil total nitrogen concentration, the difference in FRP was positively affected by diameter at breast height (DBH) and soil pH, and the difference in FRT was positively affected by DBH, tree height, soil bulk density and soil pH and negatively affected by soil organic carbon and total nitrogen concentration. FRB, FRP and FRT exhibit significant differences between plantations and natural forests and that these differences are partially caused by shifts in stand characteristics and variations in soil properties.

Ancient barley landraces adapted to marginal soils demonstrate exceptional tolerance to manganese limitation.

Micronutrient deficiency in cereals is a problem of global significance, severely reducing grain yield and quality in marginal soils. Ancient landraces represent, through hundreds of years of local adaptation to adverse soil conditions, a unique reservoir of genes and unexplored traits for enhancing yield and abiotic stress tolerance. Here we explored and compared the genetic variation in a population of Northern European barley landraces and modern elite varieties, and their tolerance to manganese (Mn) limitation. A total of 135 barley accessions were genotyped and the genetic diversity was explored using Neighbor-Joining clustering. Based on this analysis, a sub-population of genetically diverse landraces and modern elite control lines were evaluated phenotypically for their ability to cope with Mn-deficient conditions, across three different environments increasing in complexity from hydroponics through pot experiments to regional field trials. Genetically a group of Scottish barley landraces (Bere barley) were found to cluster according to their island of origin, and accessions adapted to distinct biogeographical zones with reduced soil fertility had particularly larger Mn, but also zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the shoot. Strikingly, when grown in an alkaline sandy soil in the field, the locally adapted landraces demonstrated an exceptional ability to acquire and translocate Mn to developing leaves, maintain photosynthesis and generate robust grain yields, whereas modern elite varieties totally failed to complete their life cycle. Our results highlight the importance of gene pools of local adaptation and the value of ancient landrace material to identify and characterize genes that control nutrient use efficiency traits in adverse environments to raise future crop production and improve agricultural sustainability in marginal soils. We propose and discuss a model summarizing the physiological mechanisms involved in the complex trait of tolerance to Mn limitation.

Large trees have increased greatly in Finland during 1921–2013, but recent observations on old trees tell a different story

Large and old trees have a vital role in preserving biodiversity in forest ecosystems. We used National Forest Inventory data from 1921 to 2013 for studying changes in densities (stems per ha) of large trees (diameter ≥40 cm) in Finland. In addition, densities of old trees (age ≥150 years) are reported from 1971 to 2013. We present results separately for the three subzones of the boreal biogeographical zone. Large trees have increased as much as 325%. The change has occurred mainly since the 1970s. On country level, old trees have become slightly less common (−4%) since the 1970s, although a decrease was actually observed only in the northern boreal subzone. The large majority of old trees in Finland are quite small in diameter, however. Trees that are both large and old show a notable increase from 1971 to 2013. During the 2010s, densities of large trees were higher in the southern boreal subzone than in the northern boreal subzone, but in the 1920s the opposite was true. Densities of old trees have been much higher in the northern boreal subzone. The observed densities of large trees are still considerably smaller than those observed in unmanaged old-growth forests in Scandinavia. High densities of large and/or old trees were observed in areas with restrictions on wood production emphasizing their role in maintaining biodiversity. The results reflect the destructive effects of former land use and the transition from dimensional cuttings to clear cuts and thinning from below after the 1940s. Proportionally larger changes were observed for southern Finland, where a higher human population density and the resulting more intensive land use had more severe detrimental effects on forests. As the densities of large trees and old trees have developed in a completely different manner in Finland, our results suggest that monitoring only the size distribution of trees will not sufficiently describe the role of old trees as constituents of biodiversity. Thereagainst, densities of large trees and large old trees developed in a similar manner.

Biogeographical zonation of rocky intertidal communities along the coast of Peru (3.5-13.5° S Southeast Pacific).

The biogeography of the Peruvian Eastern Pacific coast has been described based on oceanographic parameters and qualitative species occurrence data. This has generated disagreement about the limits and existence of different biogeographic units. In this study, the distribution of rocky-shore macrobenthic communities were recorded over 41 sites along the Peruvian coastline (3.5°S-13.5°S) and analyzed together with historic abiotic data in order to quantitatively evaluate the biogeographic zonation of rocky intertidal communities throughout the region and its relationship with environmental variables to propose an update bioregionalization. Clusters and non-metric multidimensional scaling were performed using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrices from abundance data to evaluate biogeographic patterns of dissimilarities of rocky-shore communities. Significant turnover of taxa among defined biogeographical units was tested using permutational multivariate dispersion. Relationships between of the biogeographical community’s structure and environmental factors were examined using Random Forest analysis on datasets available at Bio-Oracle and Jet Propulsion Laboratory—California Institute of Technology. Variation of community structure of 239 taxa depicted three biogeographical units along the region matching Panamic, transitional and Humboldt provinces. Beta diversity analysis indicated a significant turnover of taxa within the transitional unit. Random forest analysis showed a strong correlation between biogeographic units with phosphate, sea surface temperature, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, cloud fraction, and silicates. Our results set the putative limits of three biogeographic units for rocky-shore communities along the coast of Peru, providing base-line information for understanding further biogeographic changes on communities associated with the ongoing regional coastal cooling and impacts of El Niño events.

Taxonomic revision of Lepidura Townes, 1971 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Mesochorinae) with the description of three new species, new distribution records and a key to the all known species.

A taxonomic review of Lepidura Townes is presented, with three new species described. The following species are recognized: L. abbreviata Dasch, L. callaina Dasch, L. collaris Townes, L. improcera Dasch, L. mallecoensis Dasch, L. olivacea Dasch, L. rubicunda Dasch, L. tenebrosa Dasch, L. tuberosa Dasch, L. variegata Dasch, L. viridis Dasch, L. nigricephala sp. nov., L. patagonica sp. nov. and L. seminitida sp. nov. Species are restricted to Southern South America, occurring in the Andean biogeographic zone. New occurrence records and distribution maps are provided for all species, as well as diagnoses based on type specimens. In addition, an updated key for all species is provided.

Catalogue of Indian Notodontidae Stephens, 1829 (Lepidoptera: Noctuoidea)

The present communication consists of the first ever catalogue of Indian Notodontidae Stephens, 1829 comprising systematic accounts of 242 species (including nominotypical subspecies) and 10 subspecies under 116 genera of 10 subfamilies with four new records to India viz. Phalera (Phalera) birmicola Bryk, 1949, Spatalina desiccata stolida Schintlmeister, 2007, Hiradonta hannemanni Schintlmeister, 1989 and Kamalia tattakana (Matsumura, 1927). The account was prepared by compiling findings from both literature survey and field sampling carried out at various Protected Areas in the Indian Himalayas and Chhattisgarh state in the Deccan Peninsular region of India. Zoogeographic analysis of Indian Notodontidae reveals a majority of the assemblage showing Oriental (58.27%) and Palaearctic (40.49%) affinities with maximum species of Sundanian (80.00%), followed by Himalayan (77.65%) origins. In India, the majority of the species are distributed in the Himalayan (35.33%) and North-East (39.40%) biogeographic zones, reflecting maximum endemicity. Extensive surveys in the less explored southern part of the country are expected to enrich the inventory of Indian Notodontidae. The distribution map and detailed illustrations of the four new records are provided.

Genetic diversity and structure in Amorphophallus spp. Blume ex Decne. using morphological and ISSR markers

ABSTRACTPopulations of many crop wild relatives are at risk and poorly conserved. Characterization of crop germplasm based on assessment of amount, and distribution of genetic diversity, is essential for proper utilization and conservation which could be achieved through morphological and molecular tools. Wild Amorphophallus relatives may be used in breeding to enhance palatability by eliminating tuber acridity, improve yield, and develop collar rot disease resistant varieties. Twenty-five accessions of Amorphophallus, including 7 wild species, 16 morphotypes of A. paeoniifolius var. paeoniifolius (Decne.) Sivad., and “Gajendra” (GJ) and “karunaikizhangu” (T10) – a medicinally important but poorly documented form – cultivars of A. paeoniifolius var. campanulatus (Decne.) Sivad., all collected from biogeographic zones of India, were evaluated using 48 morphological and 17 Inter Simple Sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers. There were differences among accessions for quantitative traits and Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index for qualitative characters. The first 2 principal components, accounting for 56% of variance, were corm and cormel characters. The Unweighted Pair Group with Arithmetic Averages cluster, based on morphological data, indicated two principal clusters with the first principal cluster represented by five wild species, and all A. paeoniifolius accessions in the second principal cluster with GJ and T10 placed far apart. In the ISSRs profile, all accessions of A. paeoniifolius, except T10, clustered together at a bootstrap value of 92.5% despite morphological variability observed in this complex. Within the A. paeoniifolius accessions, moderate diversity (45%) was observed. The accession T10 accounted for 60%–70% dissimilarity with all accessions. Cultivated accessions GJ and T10 evolved separately with anthropogenic intervention to elevate them as cultivated forms. Eight morphotypes of A. paeoniifolius were identified. The non-flowering, special type of the edible accession cv. karunaikizhangu, being placed between the wild species and A. paeonifolius complex provides a mechanism for delineation of taxonomic status of this particular genotype and indicates the need for its conservation.

Oceanographic and Bathymetric Features as the Target for Pelagic MPA Design: A Case Study on the Cape of Gata

The Cape of Gata region (southeast Spain) allocates the thermo-haline Almeria–Oran front (AOF), which separates two biogeographical zones, with a very irregular bathymetry, consisting of two canyons and seamounts in an area of 100 × 100 km. An interdisciplinary oceanographic sampling strategy allowed us to solve mesoscale processes including current–bathymetry interactions. Subsurface fertilizing processes and elevated chlorophyll a concentrations were found at the front, seamount, and submarine canyons, turning an apparently oligotrophic area into a rich one. According to a horizontal tracking simulation, the deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) at the front is located above the pycnocline and travels fast offshore, transporting productivity from the fertilization process quickly from the region. The DCM at the seamount, in contrast, develops below the pycnocline and remains for almost three weeks in this area. In spite of the coastal marine protected areas (MPAs), a high surface nitrate concentration plume with its origin in a small coastal area without any protection was detected. Local circulation patterns and bathymetry–current interactions provide elevated productivity in surface water which is vertically connected to deep-sea fauna via the daily vertical migration of zooplankton, suggesting elevated biodiversity on the seamount and canyons of the area studied. Based on these results, and considering the presence of coastal MPAs and a Coastal Area Management Program, future studies on benthic fauna, an enlargement of coastal MPAs, and a transboundary land–deep-sea management program are suggested.

Biogeochemical proxies and diatoms in surface sediments across the Drake Passage reflect oceanic domains and frontal systems in the region

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is the world’s largest current system connecting all major ocean basins of the global ocean. Its flow, driven by strong westerly winds, is constricted to its narrowest extent in the Drake Passage, located between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. Due to the remoteness of the area, harsh weather conditions and strong bottom currents, sediment recovery is difficult and data coverage is still inadequate. Here, we report on the composition of 51 surface sediments collected during the R/V Polarstern PS97 expedition (February–April 2016) across the western and central Drake Passage, from the Chilean/Argentinian continental margin to the South Shetland Islands and the Bransfield Strait (water depth: ∼100–4000 m). We studied microfossils (diatoms), bulk sediment composition and geochemical proxies (biogenic opal, organic carbon, calcium carbonate, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes, sterols and photosynthetic pigments), and evaluated how they respond to, and reflect oceanic domains and polar to subpolar frontal systems in this region. Our multi-proxy approach shows a strong relationship between the composition of surface sediments and ocean productivity, terrigenous input, intensity of ocean currents, and ice proximity, clearly differentiating among 4 biogeographical zones. The Subantarctic Zone was characterized by warmer-water diatoms, high carbonate (>45%) and low organic carbon contents (avg. 0.26%), as well as low concentrations of pigments (avg. 1.75 μg/g) and sterols (avg. 0.90 μg/g). A general N-S transition from carbonate-rich to opal-rich sediment was observed at Drake Passage sites of the Polar Front and Permanently Open Ocean Zone. These sites were characterized by low organic carbon content (0.22%), high relative abundances of heavily silicified diatoms (≥60% Fragilariopsis kerguelensis), and abundant foraminifera at shallower stations. Approaching the Antarctic Peninsula in the Transitional Zone, an increase in the concentrations of pigments and sterols (avg. 2.57 μg/g and 1.44 μg/g, respectively) and a strong decrease in carbonate content was observed. The seasonal Sea-Ice Zone in the southern section of the study area, had the highest contents of biogenic opal (avg. 14.6%) and organic carbon (avg. 0.7%), low carbonate contents (avg. 2.4%), with the occurrence of sea-ice-related diatoms and sterols. In all zones, terrigenous input was detected, although carbon/nitrogen ratios and δ13Corg suggest a predominance of marine-derived organic matter; lower values of δ13Corg occurred south of the Polar Front. The new results presented here constitute a highly valuable reference dataset for the calibration of microfossil and geochemical proxies against observational data and provide a useful regional baseline for future paleo-research.

Kelp forests in False Bay: urchins vs macroalgae in South Africa’s southwest coast biogeographical transition zone

Kelp forests along South Africa's southwest coast occur in a region of biogeographical overlap. Commonly referred to as transition-zone kelp forests, these dynamic ecosystems are particularly susceptible to grazing from species such as urchins. This study explores relationships between urchins and macroalgae in transition-zone kelp forests along the western side of False Bay. Six kelp forests in this region were sampled. At each site, the urchin Parechinus angulosus and kelp Ecklonia maxima were counted, percentage cover of understorey algae was recorded, and drift algae were collected. Despite variability in urchin and algal cover across sites, kelps generally increased from north to south, while urchins did the opposite. Urchins were negatively associated with macroalgae, although this relationship was weak. A localised threshold of 50 urchins m–2 was identified, above which kelp density failed to increase above 10 m–2 and percentage cover of understorey algae usually remained below 20%. Surprisingly, no relationship was discovered between drift algae and attached algae. The findings highlight the complexity of these cool-water environments. To better understand the role of urchins in this system, particularly under changing climate trends, experimental research into the feeding behaviour and possible effects of urchins on attached algae in the presence/absence of drift algae is advised.

Phylogenetic analysis reveals high local endemism and clear biogeographic breaks in southern African stoneflies (Notonemouridae, Plecoptera).

The low vagility of the southern African Notonemouridae (stoneflies, Plecoptera), and their restriction to temperate montane refugia, make them a useful model for examining the evolution and biogeography of the rich palaeogenic fauna of the region. Here we use maximum parsimony tree reconstruction based on morphological characters and a partial COI mtDNA sequence to explore the evolutionary history and biogeography of the family in southern Africa. Morphological and molecular parsimony cladograms were largely in agreement, and supported monophyly of all six genera in the region. Previously undocumented morphological features in Plecoptera are identified: the first record of paraproct glands, and the presence of paired spermathecae in Aphanicercopsis Barnard females (all other Plecoptera have a single or a divided spermatheca). Some phylogenetically useful characters were the degree of fusion of the ventral abdominal nerve cord ganglia, male paraproct glands (presence and shape), and accessory glands of the male seminal vesicle. Two main biogeographic zones were defined: Eastern Highlands and the Cape Fold Mountains, with an additional outlying zone, the Namaqualand Highlands. Almost 41% of species were endemic to a single mountain range group. The most species-rich region was the intersection of the Southern and Western Cape Fold Mountains. It is hypothesized that, after the separation of Gondwanaland, the common ancestor of the region's six genera dispersed from a Cape Fold Mountain origin to the Amatola and Drakensberg montane areas of the southern tip of the African continent. The high number of species within the Cape Fold Mountains compared to other mountain ranges in the region is likely a reflection of the topographic complexity of this mountain system and its influence on vicariant events.

Factors Determining the Use and Cultivation of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Republic of Benin

Factors Determining the Use and Cultivation of Moringa oleifera Lam. in the Republic of Benin. Despite its nutritious leaves and considerable economic importance, the agroforestry species Moringa oleifera Lam. is still considered a neglected and underutilized species. To contribute to the development of an effective valorization strategy for M. oleifera, this study identified factors driving its use and cultivation in Benin. To this end, an ethnobotanical survey through individual interviews (n = 801) was performed in 46 localities across biogeographical zones in Benin. Conditional inference tree–based classification models allowed us to identify factors that mostly influence the use, cultivation, and cultivation system of M. oleifera. Awareness, knowledge of the plant biology, gender, cultivation system, and age are factors influencing the use of M. oleifera. Cultivation systems are driven by ethnicity, knowledge of the plant’s biology, and the main socioprofessional activity. Effective valorization of M. oleifera requires awareness rising on its usefulness while providing knowledge on the plant biology.

Dung beetle assemblages, dung removal and secondary seed dispersal: data from a large-scale, multi-site experiment in the Western Palaearctic

By manipulating faeces during feeding and breeding, dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) fulfil important ecosystem functions in terrestrial ecosystems throughout the world. In a pan-European multi-site experiment (MSE), we estimated the ecosystem functions of dung removal and secondary seed dispersal by differing combinations of dung beetle functional groups. Therefore, we classified dung beetles into five functional groups according to their body size and dung manipulation method: dwellers, large and small tunnelers, and large and small rollers. Furthermore, we set up a dung beetle sampling database containing all sampled dung beetles during the project. By identifying dung beetle specimens to the species level, we obtained a detailed insight into the dung beetle communities at each study location.By establishing experimental plots allowing and inhibiting specific combinations of functional groups in the local dung beetle assemblage from removing dung and seeds, we estimated the role of each group in dung removal and secondary seed dispersal during a 4-week period. We performed all experiments in grazed (semi-)natural grasslands, and used different dung types (cattle, horse, sheep, goat or red deer) to match the herbivore species grazing in close vicinity of each of the study areas. Simultaneously, we sampled dung beetle assemblages by using pitfalls baited with the same dung types as used in the experiments.This data paper documents two datasets collected in the framework of this MSE project. All the experiments took place between 2013 and 2016 at 17 study sites in 10 countries and 11 biogeographic zones. The entire dung beetle sampling dataset was published as a sampling event dataset at GBIF. The dataset includes the sampling results of all 17 study sites, which contain 1,050 sampling events and 4,362 occurrence records of 94 species. The second dataset contains the results of the dung removal and secondary seed dispersal experiments in which we used 11 experimental treatments and the five dung types mentioned above. This experimental results dataset holds all experimental results of the MSE project (11,537 records), and was published in the online data repository Zenodo.

Marine sublittoral benthos fails to track temperature in response to climate change in a biogeographical transition zone

Abstract Species ranges are shifting globally to track temperature changes in response to climate warming, with substantial variability among taxa. In the English Channel, a biogeographical transition zone between the cold temperate and warm temperate provinces of the North-East Atlantic, distribution shifts have been relatively well documented for plankton, fish and intertidal benthic organisms, but little information is available on sublittoral benthos. Following a description of the magnitude of the sea bottom temperature (SBT) rise, the changes in the distribution and occupancy of 65 benthic invertebrate species were analysed by comparing data collected throughout the English Channel at more than 200 stations sampled during a cool period in the 1960s–1970s and at present in 2012–2014. A non-uniform rise in SBT for the last three decades was observed at the regional scale, varying from 0.07 to 0.54°C per decade. This rise differs from that reported for sea surface temperature (SST) in stratified areas suggesting that SBT should be used rather than SST to analyse responses of subtidal organisms to climate change. Despite shifts in both minimum and maximum sea bottom isotherms (2.5 and 3.2 km.year−1, respectively), the distribution centroid shift of most species remained &amp;lt;1.0 km.year−1, regardless of the average temperatures they usually experience. Conversely, decreases were observed in the occurrence of most cold-water species and increases were found in the occurrence of most warm-water species. These results suggest that ongoing climate change could lead to a decrease in benthic biodiversity at range limits, especially where connection routes are lacking for new migrants.

The butterfly fauna of the Pilliga Forest, a large woodland remnant in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion in northern inland New South Wales, Australia

Sixty-three butterfly species representing five families have been recorded from the Pilliga Forest in northern inland New South Wales – the largest surviving remnant of native forest on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range. This is one of the richest recorded butterfly faunas of any location on the New South Wales western slopes and adjacent plains, reflecting the location of the Pilliga Forest in a biogeographic overlap zone between northern and southern faunal assemblages with proximity to both the western plains and outliers of the mesic eastern highlands. No narrow-range endemic species or species of state or national conservation concern were recorded; however, half of the species recorded have patchy, discontinuous distributions within their broad range due to specific habitat requirements. Some minor western range extensions are recorded and two hilltopping sites are documented. This study highlights the significant biodiversity conservation value of the Pilliga Forest in the predominantly cleared western slopes bioregions.

Phylogeographical convergence between Astyanax cavefish and mysid shrimps in the Sierra de El Abra, Mexico

The Sierra de El Abra is a long (120 km) and narrow (10 km) karstic area in northeastern Mexico. Some studies have suggested independent evolutionary histories for the multiple populations of blind cavefish Astyanaxmexicanus that inhabit this mountain range, despite the hydrological connections that may exist across the Sierra. Barriers between caves could have prevented stygobitic populations to migrate across caves, creating evolutionary significant units localized in discrete biogeographical areas of the Sierra de El Abra. The goal of the present study was to evaluate if there is a correspondence in phylogeographical patterns between Astyanax cavefish and the stygobitic mysid shrimp Spelaeomysisquinterensis. Astyanax mtDNA and mysid histone H3 DNA sequences showed that in both species, cave populations in central El Abra, such as Tinaja cave, are broadly different from other cave populations. This phylogeographical convergence supports the notion that the central Sierra de El Abra is a biogeographical zone with effective barriers for either cave to cave or surface to cave gene flow, which have modulated the evolutionary history across species of its aquatic stygobitic community.