Geographical Distribution Of Organisms Research Articles

Effects of Mountain Uplift and Climatic Oscillations on Phylogeography and Species Divergence of Chamaesium (Apiaceae).

Exploring the effects of orographic events and climatic shifts on the geographic distribution of organisms in the Himalayas-Hengduan Mountains (HHM) region and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is crucial to understand the impact of environmental changes on organism evolution. To gain further insight into these processes, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of nine Chamaesium species distributed across the HHM and QTP regions. In total, 525 individuals from 56 populations of the nine species were analyzed based on three maternally inherited chloroplast fragments (rpl16, trnT-trnL, and trnQ-rps16) and one nuclear DNA region (internal transcribed spacer, ITS). Fifty-two chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) and 47 ITS haplotypes were identified in nine species. All of the cpDNA and ITS haplotypes were species-specific. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that all nine species form a monophyletic clade with high support. Dating analysis and ancestral area reconstruction revealed that the ancestral group of Chamaesium originated in the southern Himalayan region at the beginning of the Paleogene (60.85 Ma). The nine species of Chamaesium then separated well during the last 25 million years started in Miocene. Our maxent modeling indicated the broad-scale distributions of all nine species remained fairly stable from LIG to the present and predicted that it will remain stable into the future. The initial split of Chamaesium was triggered by climate changes following the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasia plate during the Eocene. Subsequently, divergences within Chamaesium may have been induced by the intense uplift of the QTP, the onset of the monsoon system, and Central Asian aridification. Long evolutionary history, sexual reproduction, and habitat fragmentation could contribute to the high level of genetic diversity of Chamaesium. The higher genetic differentiation among Chamaesium populations may be related to the drastic changes of the external environment in this region and limited seed/pollen dispersal capacity.

Multilocus phylogeography of the brown-spotted pitviper Protobothrops mucrosquamatus (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) sheds a new light on the diversification pattern in Asia

Understanding the influence of geographical events and climate changes on genetic diversity is essential in explaining current patterns of genetic structure and geographic distribution of organisms. We inferred phylogenetic relationships, investigated historical demography, explored the evolutionary history, and clarified intraspecific taxonomy of Protobothrops mucrosquamatus, which is one of the commonest and most wide-ranging Asian pitvipers. A total of 184 samples from 54 localities were sequenced and analyzed for two mitochondrial gene fragments and two nuclear genes. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on mtDNA sequences revealed the existence of a minimum of five geographically structured and well-supported lineages within P. mucrosquamatus. Based on the mtDNA gene tree, and the geographic relationship between populations allied by matrilineal lineages, a complex longitudinal and latitudinal diversification pattern was uncovered in P. mucrosquamatus. The estimated date of the origin of the species (about 5.3 Ma) and divergence of the intraspecific lineages match the rapid uplifting of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and is also consistent with those of some other co-distributed Asian pitvipers. Formation of the two island lineages (Taiwan and Hainan) was generally congruent with the first isolation of the islands, but the two lineages showed different relationships with the continental Asian populations in comparison with some other pitvipers. Population historical demographic analyses, based on three methods, showed that all lineages have experienced slight population expansion in and around the Dali Glacial. Tests of intraspecific taxonomy indicated that no cryptic taxon is present within this widely distributed snake.

The effect of Hengduan Mountains Region (HMR) uplift to environmental changes in the HMR and its eastern adjacent area: Tracing the evolutionary history of Allium section Sikkimensia (Amaryllidaceae)

Exploring the effects of orographic events and climatic shifts on geographic distribution of organism in the Hengduan Mountains Region (HMR) and its eastern adjacent area is crucial to the understanding of the environmental changes to organismal evolution. To gain further insight into these processes, we reconstruct evolutionary history of ten species in Allium section Sikkimensia, distributed across regions abovementioned. Using chloroplast and nuclear sequence variation of 79 populations of these ten Allium species with known morphological preferences, we elucidate the phylogenetic relationship, divergence time, ancestral area and genetic structures. Climatic variables analysis, Isolation by distance (IBD) and environment (IBE) and Species distribution modeling (SDM) were analyzed along different genetic clades. These analyses indicated that the initial split of Sikkimensia was triggered by climate changes following Qinghai-Tibet Plateau sensu lato (QTPsl) uplift during the late Miocene. Subsequently, divergences within lineage (lineage A)/among lineages (lineage C and D) in Sikkimensia may be induced by the intense uplift of the HMR around 3–4 Ma and abrupt intensifying of the Asian monsoon regimes. Furthermore, Sikkimensia populations exhibited lopsided demographic history in the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), as was indicated by the expansion of their range in the QDM and contraction in the HMR. Our findings appear to suggest that the HMR uplift could have strengthened the orographic difference between the HMR and its eastern adjacent area and led to a colder climate in the HMR, while geological topography also played an important role for taxa to respond the climate change that had taken place in the HMR and its eastern adjacent area during the Pleistocene.

Organic-matter flow in kelp forest

Ecology and Climate![Figure][1] Laminaria ochroleuca is moving north as the climate warms. PHOTO: AGE FOTOSTOCK/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO As the global climate warms, there are shifts in the geographical distribution of organisms, which can be accompanied by changes in ecosystem functioning. Pessarrodona et al. have been investigating the ecosystem consequences of the climate-driven arrival of warm-temperate kelp forest communities to the northwestern coastlines of Europe. Cycling of organic matter in the ecosystem—through kelp growth, herbivory, and decomposition—was faster in the new communities relative to cycling in native cold-temperate kelp communities. Notably, decomposition of plant detritus occurred 6.5 times faster. The continued northward expansion of warm-temperate kelp can be expected to lead to shifts in the flow of organic matter through these ecosystems and to further changes in associated communities of consumer organisms. J. Ecol. 10.1111/1365-2745.13053 (2018). [1]: pending:yes

El Amazonas y la biogeografía: Creacionismo contra transmutacionismo

Durante el siglo XIX, el estudio de la distribución geográfica fue una pieza fundamental para entender la estrecha relación entre la variación morfológica y la distribución geográfica de los organismos, bajo la perspectiva de que esta relación podría finalmente esclarecer el debate de si las especies se originaban por creación o por transmutación. De manera independiente, tanto Wallace como Agassiz, estudiaron con gran interés la distribución geográfica de las especies amazónicas, aunque con propósitos completamente diferentes. Wallace pensaba que la distribución geográfica podría explicar cómo surgían las nuevas especies a partir de sus predecesoras, mientras que a Agassiz le interesaba demostrar que las especies surgían mediante actos de creación independientes y permanecían inmutables. El propósito de este trabajo es reflexionar por qué, si ambos dispusieron de la misma evidencia empírica, llegaron a interpretaciones tan opuestas. Se concluye que no fue propiamente la evidencia empírica, sino las influencias intelectuales que tuvieron cada uno la causa que determinó sus diferentes interpretaciones sobre la distribución biogeográfica.

Recent human history governs global ant invasion dynamics.

Human trade and travel are breaking-down biogeographic barriers, resulting in shifts in the geographical distribution of organisms, yet it remains largely unknown whether different alien species generally follow similar spatiotemporal colonization patterns and how such patterns are driven by trends in global trade. Here, we analyse the global distribution of 241 alien ant species and show that these species comprise four distinct groups that inherently differ in their worldwide distribution from that of native species. The global spread of these four distinct species groups has been greatly, but differentially, influenced by major events in recent human history, in particular historical waves of globalization (approximately 1850-1914, and 1960-present), world wars and global recessions. Species in these four groups also differ in six important morphological and life-history traits and their degree of invasiveness. Combining spatiotemporal distribution data with life-history trait information provides valuable insight into the processes driving biological invasions and facilitates identification of species most likely to become invasive in the future.

Darwin's Diagram of Divergence of Taxa as a Causal Model for the Origin of Species

On the basis that Darwin's theory of evolution encompasses two logically independent processes (common descent and natural selection), the only figure in On the Origin of Species (the Diagram of Divergence of Taxa) is often interpreted as illustrative of only one of these processes: the branching patterns representing common ancestry. Here, I argue that Darwin's Diagram of Divergence of Taxa represents a broad conceptual model of Darwin's theory, illustrating the causal efficacy of natural selection in producing well-defined varieties and ultimately species. The Tree Diagram encompasses the idea that natural selection explains common descent and the origin of organic diversity, thus representing a comprehensive model of Darwin's theory on the origin of species. I describe Darwin's Tree Diagram in relation to his argumentative strategy under the vera causa principle, and suggest that the testing of his theory based on the evidence from the geological record, the geographical distribution of organisms, and the mutual affinities of organic beings can be framed under the hypothetico-deductive method. Darwin's Diagram of Divergence of Taxa therefore represents a broad conceptual model that helps understanding the causal construction of Darwin's theory of evolution, the structure of his argumentative strategy, and the nature of his scientific methodology.

气候变化对传染病爆发流行的影响研究进展

全球气候变化已影响到传染病发生、传播与变化的各个环节，从病原体及其携带者、传播途径和人体自身抵抗力等方面直接或间接影响传染病的发病趋势，从而对人类健康造成了巨大的威胁。所以加强对气候变化与传染病间关系、预测预报研究，对进一步认识、预防和控制传染病的爆发流行具有重要意义。阐述了全球气候变化对生物物种的地理分布和人类健康的影响，气候变化改变了生物物种的地理分布范围，增加了某些物种的潜在分布区域，并造成生物物侯期的改变；同时，极端气候事件成为导致种群数量波动的一个重要驱动力。气候变化对人类健康有直接和间接影响，它使得传染病发病率增加、传染病分布范围扩大、人群对疾病易感性增强。评述了气候变化对疟疾、登革热、霍乱、流行性乙型脑炎、流感、SARS、肠道传染病、鼠疫、血吸虫病等常见传染病流行机制和传播过程的影响研究进展。评述了传染病和气象因子关系分析中常用的定性和定量分析方法，传统的研究多以定性分析为主，方法较单一；目前，利用流行病学资料与同期的气象因子进行单因素相关分析、多元回归分析是常用的研究方法；主成分回归分析、逐步判别分析、灰色关联分析法、RS和GIS等方法近年来逐渐得到应用；数学建模、实验室生物学仿真实验方法是今后需强化的方向。提出了该研究领域国内外研究普遍存在和亟待解决的问题，针对目前的研究现状和存在的问题，提出了未来的研究重点和发展方向。;Global climate change had a significant impact on the structure and function of natural ecosystems, socio-economic and human health. At present, climate change has affected infectious disease occur, spread and change, which directly or indirectly affect the incidence trend of infectious diseases from pathogens and their carriers, routes of transmission, and the human body's own resistance. Therefore the climate change can further threat to human health. It is important to understand and detect the relationship between climate change and infectious diseases for preventing and controlling the prevalence of infectious diseases, and the impact of climate change on infectious diseases has been concerned in many scientific communities. The domestic and foreign scholars have made a meaningful exploration and got a lot of valuable results about the spread of infectious diseases caused by the global climate change. In this paper, content about the global climate change has important effects on the geographic distribution of organisms and human health was firstly overviewed. Global climate change altered the scope of the organisms distribution, which increasing the potential distribution area for some certain species and further causing the biological changes of these species in their phenophases. The species which are benefit from the climate change, however, their distribution range will be expanded with the growth of population. And the extreme weather events are an important driving force leading to population fluctuations. Lots of studies have proved that the climate change has a direct and indirect impact on human health, which can increase the incidence of infectious diseases, can expand the distribution range of infectious diseases, and finally can increase the human population susceptibility to diseases. The paper was mainly focused on the analyses about the prevalence mechanisms and propagation processes from some common infectious diseases including malaria, dengue fever, cholera, meningitis, influenza as SARS, intestinal infectious diseases, plague, and schistosomiasis. The qualitative and quantitative analysis methods about the relationships between climate change and infectious diseases were reviewed. Traditional researches were mostly qualitative analyses, the method was relatively simple and lack of sufficient evidence. Currently, the univariate correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis have got the most commonly used combined with the epidemiological data and the same period of meteorological factors. Moreover, the analyses of principal component regression and stepwise discriminance are applied in recent years. The mathematical modeling and laboratory biology simulation methods are acknowledged as the future methods in this kind of study. There are also some key scientific issues need to be resolved. For example, problems about the data limitations, how to determine the impact factors of human exposure values to climate change, the climate change and the simplification of infectious etiology chain. Finally, the future research and development direction were also discussed based on the current researches and existing problems.

The other face of Lyell: historical biogeography in his Principles of geology

AbstractAlthough some excellent articles about Lyell's work have been published, they do not explicitly deal with Lyell's biogeographical conceptions. The purpose of this paper is to analyse Lyell's biogeographical model in terms of its own internal structure. Lyell tried to explain the distribution of organisms by appealing to a real cause (climate). However, he was aware that environmental conditions were clearly insufficient to explain the existence of biogeographical regions. Lyell's adherence to ecological determinism generated strong tensions within his biogeographical model. He shifted from granting a secondary weight to dispersal to assigning it a major role. By doing so, Lyell was led into an evident contradiction. A permanent tension in Lyell's ideas was generated by the prevalent explanatory pattern of his time. The explanatory model based on laws did not produce satisfactory results in biology because it did not deal with historical processes. We may conclude that the knowledge of organic distribution interested Lyell as long as it could be explained by the uniformitarian principles of his geological system. The importance of the second volume of the Principles of geology lies in its ample and systematic argumentation about the geographical distribution of organisms. Lyell established, independently from any theory about organic change, the first version of dispersalist biogeography.

Diversité génétique et diversité taxonomique chez les mammifères : deux apports pour la biologie de la conservation en Guyane française

Efforts must urgently focus on knowledge of the biological diversity in lowland primary tropical forests, because deforestation there is endangering as yet largely unknown ecosystems. The most abundant and remarkable zones, both for the Amazon region as a whole and, more locally, for French Guiana, should be identified to help set priorities in conservation. Mammalian diversity continues to be underestimated, particularly for certain families (Didelphidae marsupials, Echimyidae and Sigmodontinae rodents), which furthermore are represented by too few specimens to produce a fruitful taxonomic study based solely on morphology. By analyzing genetic diversity, molecular phylogeny has proven an effective aid in grasping the diversity and geographic distribution of organisms. Phylogeography is useful in dealing with two components of biodiversity : the first, horizontal, involves geographic space ; the second, vertical, delves deep into the genealogical origin of today's species and populations. Several recent studies, conducted in tropical forest environments on opossums, arboreal rodents and platyrrhinian monkeys, support these assertions.