Higher Richness Research Articles

Microbial Communities in Permafrost, Moraine and Deschampsia antarctica Rhizosphere Soils near Ecology Glacier (King George Island, Maritime Antarctic)

While the recession of glaciers in the Antarctic is of global concern under climate change, the impact of deglaciation on soil microbiomes is still limited. Here, soil samples were collected from permafrost (P), moraine (M) and Deschampsia antarctica rhizosphere (R) soils near Ecology Glacier (Antarctic), and their soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities (bacteria, archaea and fungi) were characterized. Our analyses showed that there were significant differences in the soil properties and microbial communities between the R samples and the P and M samples. Specifically, amplicon sequencing of 16S rDNA revealed high bacterial richness and diversity in the studied soils, which were dominated mainly by the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota. In contrast, lower richness and diversity were observed in the archaeal communities, which were dominated by the phyla Chenarchaeota (M and R) and Thermoplasmadota (M). In addition, fungal community analysis revealed a lower richness and diversity (M and R), dominated by the phylum Ascomycota. Our observations are consistent with previous reports describing the relevant changes in soil microbial communities during glacial recession, including fewer microbial groups studied in soils (archaea and fungi). However, further studies are still needed to elucidate the contributions of microbial communities to soil formation and plant colonization in ice-free soils in Antarctica under global climate change.

Drivers of amphibian species richness in European ponds

Amphibians are commonly occurring inhabitants of most lentic freshwater ecosystems, yet their global populations are in alarming decline. Ponds in particular play a crucial role in supporting amphibian biodiversity. In this study, we identified the main drivers influencing amphibian species richness by conducting a comprehensive ecological characterization in 201 ponds across seven European countries spanning a large latitudinal and longitudinal gradient. The amphibian species richness in each of these ponds was assessed using environmental DNA metabarcoding on water samples. The relative influence of climatic, local abiotic and biotic, and land use variables on variation in species richness across ponds was quantified using boosted regression trees. Our results suggest that local factors, particularly chlorophyll‐a concentration, but also pond area and depth, are the main drivers of amphibian richness, together with climatic variables such as annual mean precipitation and temperature. The highest richness was observed in low‐nutrient, fishless, intermediate‐sized, shallow ponds, located in warmer regions with higher precipitation rates. These potential drivers of amphibian richness should be considered in the planning and implementation of amphibian conservation and management actions.

Agarista hispidula var. tomentosa (Ericaceae), a new variety from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Agarista (Ericaceae) is a Neotropical genus of subshrubs, shrubs and trees in Ericaceae, highly associated with tropical mountainous environments, especially the Campos Rupestres of the Cerrado domain in the Espinhaço Range, southeast Brazil. The genus comprises 35 species and six varieties. Minas Gerais state hosts a high richness of the genus, comprising 16 species, eight of them endemic. Here we indicate two partially geographically overlapping and morphologically characterized varieties, separable primarily by the indumentum on the abaxial leaf surface. The new variety Agarista hispidula var. tomentosa from Minas Gerais state is described here, and it is readily distinguished from Agarista hispidula var. hispidula by its dense layer of unicellular hairs on the abaxial leaf surface covering the abaxial epidermis. This character state is also found in three other species and two varieties of Agarista, and it may function in avoiding water loss. A detailed description and photograph plates are provided for the new variety. A key and a distribution map to the varieties of A. hispidula is also provided.

Modeling and Optimization of Distillation Column for Separation of 18O Isotope with Mathematical Model

Positron emission tomography (PET) is an advanced imaging tool for the diagnosis and staging of cancer tumors. This method is based on the detection of increased glycolytic activity in malignant cells, in which cell glucose is concentrated because of an increase in membrane glucose transporters, as well as an increase in some key enzymes, such as hexokinase, which are responsible for glucose phosphorylation. Therefore, for this type of imaging, drugs containing glucose are needed. On the other hand, with the expansion of the use of PET imaging devices, the need for drugs for this type of imaging method [fluorodeoxyglucose drug (FDG)] has also increased significantly. FDG is a drug tracer used in the medical imaging technique of PET. The production of FDG requires the production of 18F and, as a result, reaching 18O with a richness of more than 95%. There are various methods to produce oxygen with high richness. Among these methods, using a distillation column is a suitable method to produce oxygen, which has low efficiency and high production cost. Optimization of the distillation column can reduce the cost of producing high-rich oxygen. Numerical methods are one of the useful techniques for optimization. In this study, the distillation column has been computerized using mathematical models, and then by changing the number of inputs, including the height of the pipes, the temperature of the input of the distillation column has been optimized. Results show that the maximum separation of the desired isotope concentration in the distillation tower depends on the type of isotope desired and the condition of the device and is independent of the type of feed. Also, the input feed has no effect on the concentration distribution.

Comparative analysis of floristic richness and diversity in six central forest reserves of north eastern Uganda

As the extinction risk of plants increases globally, there is need to prioritize areas with high floristic richness and diversity to inform the design of evidence-based conservation interventions. As such, this study aimed to comparatively analyse floristic diversity in six central forest reserves (CFR) of north eastern Uganda. This was guided by two objectives namely; (i) to determine the floristic richness and diversity in the CFRs and (ii) to evaluate the similarity and complementarity of floristic composition. Data was collected from nested quadrats (20 × 20 m for trees, 10 × 10 m for shrubs and 5 × 5 m for herbaceous climbers, forbs and grasses) placed at intervals of 100 m along a transect of 1000 – 1500 m. Species richness, diversity and evenness were determined for each CFR. Binary similarity coefficients were computed because only presence/absence data of plant species was recorded. A sum of 417 plant species in 76 families were recorded representing 8.7% of known vascular plants reported in Uganda. The CFRs have significantly variable Shannon–Wiener diversity indices ranging from 4.2 in Kano CFR to 4.47 in Bululu hill CFR (t = 85.291, df = 4, p = 0.00). The CFRs cluster into two groups namely Onyurut and Ogera hills and Akur, Kano, Bululu hills and Mount Moroto. The lowest similarity index was between Ogera hills and Moumt Moroto CFRs (0.37 or 37%) while the highest was between Akur and Kano CFRs (0.63 or 63%). The CFRs complement one another by supporting plant species not recorded elsewhere with three CFRs (Bululu hills, Mount Moroto and Onyurut) accounting for 81.53% of the plant taxa. The CFRs in NE Uganda have richness and floristic diversity with up to 8.7% of the known plants in Uganda present. The conservation status of these species is Vulnerable (4), Near Threatened (4), Least Concern (137), Data Deficient (1) and Not Evaluated (271). The two similarity clusters depict variation in altitudinal, proximity and climatic conditions. Five CFRs are required to conserve 95% of the species recorded. Therefore, the CFRs investigated play a complementary role in conserving the floristic diversity in north eastern Uganda.

Failure of colonization following gut microbiota transfer exacerbates DSS-induced colitis

ABSTRACT To study the impact of differing specific pathogen-free gut microbiomes (GMs) on a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease, selected GMs were transferred using embryo transfer (ET), cross-fostering (CF), and co-housing (CH). Prior work showed that the GM transfer method and the microbial composition of donor and recipient GMs can influence microbial colonization and disease phenotypes in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. When a low richness GM was transferred to a recipient with a high richness GM via CH, the donor GM failed to successfully colonize, and a more severe disease phenotype resulted when compared to ET or CF, where colonization was successful. By comparing CH and gastric gavage for fecal material transfer, we isolated the microbial component of this effect and determined that differences in disease severity and survival were associated with microbial factors rather than the transfer method itself. Mice receiving a low richness GM via CH and gastric gavage exhibited greater disease severity and higher expression of pro-inflammatory immune mediators compared to those receiving a high richness GM. This study provides valuable insights into the role of GM composition and colonization in disease modulation.

Uncertainty-media fit and Psychological Capital for Trust Building in Virtual Leader-Follower Interactions

A very important challenge facing leaders and followers alike is how to navigate the virtual workplace where much of our communication and interactions occur through the use of technology. This field experiment examined whether a leader's choice of communication media given the situational uncertainty (termed uncertainty-media fit here to parallel related research) impacted the amount and type of trust (cognitive versus affective) that developed between leaders and followers. Further, we tested whether the leader's perceived level of psychological capital (PsyCap) impacted the results obtained. To test our hypotheses, 326 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions of high (low) media richness×high (low) situational uncertainty. Results of our study indicated that communication media choice, in and of itself, did not seem to impact results. However, the situational uncertainty present in our scenarios impacted subjects’ amount and type of trust in the leaders, lending credence to the argument that perhaps technology is, in fact, more based on how it is interpreted, rather than whether the leader uses media higher in richness to communicate more complex information. Further, subjects’ perception of the leader's psychological capital (PsyCap) moderated results obtained. In addition to limitations and suggestions for future research, we conclude with practical implications for leaders that may have an impact on the amount and type of trust that develops between leaders and followers in a virtual work environment.

Effects of Different Bowel Preparation Regimens and Age Factors on the Gut Microbiota: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Opinions about the impact of bowel preparation on the gut microbiota are divided. This study investigated the effects of different regimens on the gut microbiota post-bowel preparation and the differences in responses across different age groups. This single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial included 194 patients. Patients were categorized into two groups: one group receiving polyethylene glycol (n = 108) and one receiving sodium picosulfate (n = 86) for bowel preparation. Fecal samples were collected at baseline and on days 7 and 14 post-bowel preparation. The microbiota's diversity and composition were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, followed by comparative analyses. The gut microbiota's abundance and diversity in patients significantly decreased post-bowel preparation, which did not recover to the level of pre-bowel preparation on Day 14. When comparing different regimens, the polyethylene glycol and sodium picosulfate groups recovered faster in richness and diversity, respectively. Patients aged < 65 years had higher richness and diversity of the gut microbiota, whereas the microbiota structure in those aged ≥ 65 years returned to the baseline state faster. The structure of beta diversity is significantly altered and did not return in the short term. However, in the elderly population aged ≥ 65 years, it can rebound quickly. This study also identified a number of significantly altered bacterial genera. Following the use of different bowel preparation regimens, the gut microbiota recovers in diverse ways, with older people over 65 experiencing a faster recovery of the microbial structure.

Contrasting diversity patterns between microeukaryotic and prokaryotic communities in the cold-seep sediments

Abstract Cold seeps are hotspots of biodiversity. However, the quantification of the microbial diversity, particularly that of microeukaryotes, remains scarce and little is known about the active groups. Here we investigated the diversity and activity of prokaryotes and microeukaryotes in the Haima cold seep sediments in northern South China Sea using both DNA (whole community) and RNA (active community) signatures. We found that, in general, prokaryotes had lower diversity in the seep sediment than in non-seep regions while microeukaryotes showed the opposite pattern. This could be explained by the dominance of homogeneous selection in the prokaryotic community while microeukaryotic communities were less affected by environmental selection, harboring high richness of abundant groups in the seep regions. Compositional difference between DNA and RNA communities was much larger in microeukaryotes than prokaryotes, which could be reflected by the large number of inactive microeukaryotic taxa. Compared to whole community, the seep-active groups, e.g., Breviatea, Labyrinthulomycetes and Apicomplexa in microeukaryotes, were more sensitive to and directly influenced by environmental factors, suggesting their pivotal roles in ecosystem biodiversity and functions. This study provides insight into the distinct diversity patterns and regulating mechanisms between prokaryotic and microeukaryotic communities in cold-seep sediments, deepening our understanding of microbial ecology in deep-sea extreme habitats.

Relative effects of seed mix design, consumer pressure, and edge proximity on community structure in restored prairies.

A central goal of ecosystem restoration is to promote diverse, native-dominated plant communities. However, restoration outcomes can be highly variable. One cause of this variation may be the decisions made during the seed mix design process, such as choosing the number of species to include (sown diversity) or the number of locations each species should be sourced from (source diversity, manipulated to affect genetic diversity). The effects that seed mixes have on plant communities may be further modified by other factors at the restoration site, including edge proximity and consumer pressure. Few studies have evaluated both these seed mix attributes together, and none have done so while accounting for realistic restoration site attributes. To address this research need, we conducted a prairie restoration experiment where two aspects of seed mix design (sown diversity and source diversity) and two restoration site factors (edge proximity and vertebrate granivore/herbivore consumer access) were manipulated across 12 replicate fields. We found that when seed mix design impacted plant community structure, these effects were dependent on consumer access or edge proximity and were more prominent after one versus five growing seasons. Low seed source diversity plots had more sown species than high source diversity ones, but only when consumers had access. Similarly, low species diversity plots had higher richness and cover of species included in both the low and high species diversity mixes, but this effect weakened over time. Additionally, plots with high species diversity were buffered from the typically detrimental effects of edges and consumers, although this did not always result in greater sown species abundance. Unexpectedly, plots with the most sown species were those sown with either low source diversity or low species diversity seed mixes, perhaps due to lower seeding rates of reliably establishing species. Our results illustrate how the influences of seed mix design on restored plant communities can be highly contingent on factors like edges, consumers, and time.

Phytoplankton Community and Physico-chemical Parameters Influence on the Seasonal Visits of Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) in Chelekleka Wetland, Central Ethiopia

Background and Research Aims Lesser flamingo ( Phoeniconaias minor) is an intra-African migratory bird species recorded mainly in alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Temporal patterns of Lesser flamingo visits may be related to the abundance and availability of their primary phytoplankton food items, and phytoplankton growth and composition may also be influenced by water quality parameters. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Lesser flamingo abundance and the physico-chemical characteristics of the wetland and its phytoplankton community dynamics. Methods We measured the abundance of Lesser flamingos using the ground vantage point counting method. We assessed water physico-chemical characteristics using field measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity and turbidity, and laboratory sample analyses for phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate, silica, alkalinity and chlorophyll a. We also measured phytoplankton diversity and abundance in the laboratory. Results The physico-chemical characteristics of the Chelekleka wetland showed a favorable environment for biological productivity and physiological activities of aquatic organisms. High phytoplankton richness (83 taxa) and abundance were recorded in the wetland. Lesser flamingo abundance varied significantly in response to the abundance of preferred phytoplankton prey items, which could be attributed to the effect of aquatic grazers and changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the wetland. Conclusion Water physico-chemical characteristics influence the abundance and availability of phytoplankton in the seasonally flooded wetland, which in turn influences the seasonal visitation and abundance of Lesser flamingos foraging on phytoplankton prey. Implications for Conservation We recommend that the local government and other relevant stakeholders implement integrated wetland conservation practices to alleviate wetland degradation and conserve the ecosystem and its associated wildlife.

Fish Diversity of East Sea Streams in Han River Region

Fish surveys were conducted near artificial structures installed in nine streams flowing from the Han River region to the east coast of Korea. As a result of the survey, a total of 33,488 individuals belonging to 11 orders, 16 families, and 48 species were found. The dominant and subdominant species were &lt;i&gt;Zacco koreanus&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Zacco platypus&lt;/i&gt; respectively. Among the surveyed fish species, endangered species (rank II) were &lt;i&gt;Pungitius sinensis&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Ladislavia taczanowskii&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Phoxinus phoxinus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Lethenteron japonicus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Cottus hangiongensis&lt;/i&gt;. In addition, migratory fish species were &lt;i&gt;Pungitius sinensis&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Gymnogobius urotaenia&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Tribolodon brandti&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Oncorhynchus masou masou&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Oncorhynchus keta&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Plecoglossus altivelis&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Lethenteron japonicus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Cottus hangiongensis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Tribolodon hakonensis&lt;/i&gt;. As a result of community analysis, Samcheokosip Stream, and Yangyangnamdae Stream have the highest diversity, and dominance indices respectively. Also, Jusu Stream has the highest richness and evenness indices. The highest number of species was surveyed in Gangneungnamdae Stream (24 species). Alpha diversity (the number of species at each survey point in each stream) was the highest at a survey point in Gangneungnamdae Stream (21 species), and beta diversity (species at each stream survey point that does not overlap with nearby survey point) was the highest at survey points in Gangneungnamdae Stream and Jusu Stream (10 species). As a result of the similarity analysis, surveyed streams were divided into five groups: group 1 stream (Yeongok· Samcheokosip·Gagok), group 2 stream (Yangyangnamdae·Hosan), group 3 stream (Gangneungnamdae), group 4 stream (Sangun·Jusu), and group 5 stream (Nakpung). This study is expected to serve as basic data for managing the aquatic ecosystem of streams flowing from the Han River region to the east coast.

Utilidad de los portales en línea de ciencia ciudadana para estudios florísticos: Orquídeas de Santa María Yucuhiti, Oaxaca, México

Antecedentes: La belleza de las orquídeas atrae el interés de usuarios de portales de ciencia ciudadana, convirtiéndolos en fuentes adicionales de información para estudiar la biodiversidad. Actualmente iNaturalist registra observaciones para casi 70 % de las especies de orquídeas mexicanas, aquí evaluamos su utilidad para elaborar un listado florístico local con ese grupo de plantas. Preguntas: ¿la información disponible en iNaturalist permite elaborar un listado florístico local de orquídeas como lo hace un estudio florístico convencional? Sitio y años de estudio: Observaciones registradas entre 2007 y 2024 en Santa María Yucuhiti, Oaxaca, México. Métodos: Las observaciones de orquídeas en iNaturalist fueron revisadas y curadas, asignando tipo de vegetación y elevación del sitio de cada registro. El listado resultante se comparó, mediante un índice de riqueza con los de otras regiones de Oaxaca obtenidos mediante estudios florísticos convencionales. Resultados: La zona estudiada alberga 107 especies de orquídeas, 50 % de ellas endémicas de México. La mayor riqueza se presenta entre 1,500-1,999 m de elevación y el bosque de encino. Acianthera hintonii, Habenaria tetranema y Prosthechea mulasii constituyen nuevos registros para Oaxaca. La zona de estudio presentó el mayor índice de riqueza de orquídeas en comparación con otras regiones del estado. Conclusiones: La información de iNaturalist permitió elaborar el listado de orquídeas de Santa María Yucuhiti, respaldado por observaciones validadas en la plataforma. Esto y la disponibilidad de fotografías con buena resolución, continuidad temporal en la documentación y exploración de sitios con acceso restringido favorecen la calidad de un listado.

Impact of urban biodiversity and climate change on children's health and well being.

In recent decades, biodiversity loss has greatly impacted planetary and human health. Children are at additional risk of adverse effects due to unique biological, developmental, and behavioral factors, as well as their longer exposure to an altered planet as a function of their young age. These effects are heightened for children living in vulnerable socioeconomic conditions. Here, we review the role of biodiversity loss on accelerating the consequences of climate change from the perspective of pediatric health. With the loss of biodiversity's protective role against the consequences of climate change, the adverse effects of the changing planet are impacting pediatric health. For example, trees provide shelter against heat waves, unsealed soil and wetlands mitigate flooding, and rewilded green space hosts high microbial richness and consequently supports immune and mental health. The effects of the loss of biodiversity may impact the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals and thus the future of children's medicine as a whole. We also highlight areas for further study and detail efforts that have been made to restore biodiversity, with the aim to improve the current and future health of local pediatric populations. IMPACT: Loss of biodiversity is occurring at a rapid pace affecting the health of the planet and disproportionately pediatric health. This paper describes the role of biodiversity loss in accelerating the impact of climate change on children's health, and highlights particularly vulnerable populations. This paper details steps that can be taken to maintain and restore biodiversity at the local and global levels to protect these populations and pediatric health in general.

Fish fauna of the Upper Grande River basin: checklist and distribution patterns

ABSTRACT The Neotropical region exhibits a remarkable diversity of freshwater fish, with the Upper Grande River in the La Plata basin emerging as a significant yet underexplored hotspot. However, this region is confronted with escalating threats from human activities, such as hydroelectric damming and urbanization, which jeopardize its ichthyofauna. This research conducted a comprehensive inventory of the ichthyofauna in the Upper Grande River, covering diverse environments and sub-basins. Fish sampling at 185 sites revealed over 94 species, indicating a high richness and abundance of migratory fish, as well as the presence of two endangered species. While the study provides valuable insights into fish species richness and distribution, accumulation curves suggest the need for additional sampling efforts. The presence of non-native species, especially in the Aiuruoca and Grande sub-basins, raises conservation concerns. The study underscores the Upper Grande River’s critical role as an area for fish diversity, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing monitoring, conservation efforts, and additional sampling to fully uncover the extent of its ichthyofauna.

Two-dimensional TTH-graphene: Structural, defective, and interfacial engineering on anode materials for potassium-ion batteries

Potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) demonstrate significant potential for future renewable energy storage systems, given the high natural richness and economic benefits of potassium resources. Nevertheless, the primary challenge hindering the development of PIBs is the scarcity of appropriate anode materials capable of delivering high performance. Using first-principles calculations, we theoretically design a two-dimensional graphene allotrope, termed TTH-graphene, constructed from assembled tetracyclo[6.6.0.02,6.010,14]tetradeca-1(8),2,4,6,9,11,13-heptaene (C14H8) structural units, which demonstrates good dynamical, thermal, and mechanical stability. The non-hexagonal symmetry can enhance the surface reactivity, making TTH-graphene a high-performance anode for PIBs with a low K migration barrier (0.22 eV), a moderate average open-circuit voltage (0.42 V), a high theoretical capacity (956.33 mA h g−1), and a small lattice expansion (1.2%). Furthermore, the appearance of vacancy defects enhances the K adsorption strength but induces the decrease in ionic diffusivity. Compared with the monolayer, the TTH-graphene bilayer exhibits an enhancement of the adsorption and diffusion performance of K on the outer surface.

Chemical signatures in the preen oil of pied flycatchers: testing reproducibility and exploring ontogeny

Preen oil – the secretion from the uropygial gland of birds – may have diverse functions in avian reproduction: protection against eggshell bacteria, olfactory crypsis against nest predators and olfactory mate choice. To investigate such functions, we should first characterise variation in preen oil composition, but also confirm that previously described patterns are robust. Replication studies are crucial to test the reproducibility of previous findings, but are rarely undertaken in chemical ecology. Here, we conducted an almost exact replication of a previous study on the chemical composition of preen oil in a wild passerine bird, the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca. We aimed to estimate the reproducibility of the previous results using larger sample sizes and following a pre‐registered analysis. In addition, we explored the ontogeny of preen oil composition by comparing nestling and adult preen oil. In line with previous findings, preen oil composition was similar between breeding partners and not repeatable within individual females across breeding stages. Female preen oil changed across breeding stages more clearly than in the original study (higher richness, diversity and volatility during incubation than nestling‐rearing), further refuting a role of preen oil in olfactory crypsis in this species. Unlike the original study, we found no difference in chemical profiles between sexes (nestling‐rearing), casting doubt on the proposed role of preen oil as a sex semiochemical in this species. Nestling preen oil differed from adults, was more similar to adult males than to adult females, but was not more similar to parents than to non‐parents. We found family chemical signatures, which, along with the breeding pair signature, suggests an influence of the nest environment on preen oil composition. Our study highlights the importance of replication and provides novel insights into the function and development of preen oil.

Phytoplankton community composition links to environmental drivers across a fjord to shelf gradient on the central coast of British Columbia

Rapid environmental change is altering coastal phytoplankton dynamics and, thereby the productivity of coastal marine food webs. Unfortunately, a paucity of phytoplankton community data hinders the prediction of future conditions in ecologically productive regions such as the coastal northeast Pacific. To help fill this gap, this study characterized phytoplankton communities from 2018 to 2020 across a fjord, channel and shelf station transect on the central coast of British Columbia, Canada. Monthly samples were collected for microscopy-based taxonomy and pigment-based phytoplankton composition (i.e. CHEMTAX and size-fractionated chlorophyll). Correlation analysis was used to investigate drivers of phytoplankton biomass and hierarchical clustering and redundancy analysis highlighted drivers of compositional trends. Spring blooms formed the peak of annual biomass at each station and earlier blooms at the fjord station suggested a sheltering effect from winter wind conditions. Later spring blooms at the channel station coincided with seasonal wind reductions and increased sunlight. Of the six derived compositional clusters, three represented flagellate dominated conditions at all stations: two represented low biomass winter conditions and the third, moderate biomass spring and autumn blooms occurring under nutrient replete conditions. The remaining three clusters were diatom-dominated and spanned much of the growing season. The first diatom cluster represented Skeletonema marinoi dominated samples, many from 2020, observed under moderate nutrient and high stratification and freshwater discharge conditions. The second represented high diatom richness spring bloom conditions at all stations that were associated with nutrient depletion. Finally, the third included 2018 and 2019 summer shelf samples showing harmful Rhizosolenia setigera and Pseudo-nitzschia seriata blooms under high surface water salinity and temperature. These results highlight high spatial-temporal variability and sensitivity of coastal northeast Pacific phytoplankton communities to altered freshwater, temperature and wind dynamics with potential for profound ecosystem level implications.

Seasonality and Generalist Plant Resource Use Drive Bee Community (Hymenoptera, Apidae) composition in herbaceous restinga and dune environments

Few bee inventories have investigated the interaction between bees and plants in the restinga in Santa Catarina State, a highly anthropized coastal environment, due to its value. In this context, in the southern coastal region of the State, the bee community and their foraging resources were ecologically analyzed, aiming to obtain data that support their conservation. For sampling, bees were collected over one year in herbaceous restinga and Laguna (SC) dunes, using entomological nets, trap dishes, and aromatic baits. The bees and plants were prepared, identified, and quantified. Ecological indices were calculated. Eighteen species of bees and sixteen species of associated plants were found. The collector’s curve stabilized, and richness estimators indicated a possible richness of 21.57 to 26.25 species. The five subfamilies of bees occurring in Brazil were found, with Halictinae having the highest richness and Apinae having the greatest abundance. Andreninae showed only one species (Callonychium luteimaculatum), as abundant as Apis mellifera. The plants most visited in terms of bee diversity are typical of the restinga and are highly attractive to bees. The periods with the highest results were spring and summer. The variation in temperature and the increase in plant richness increased bee abundance and richness, highlighting the region’s seasonality. The bee community showed a conservative generalist condition, which is favorable for species living in inhospitable conditions, providing moderate robustness. Due to the lack or absence of nesting resources, the studied bee community appears to originate from nearby adjacent areas.

Soil Microbial Communities Changes Along Depth and Contrasting Facing Slopes at the Parque Nacional La Campana, Chile

The Parque Nacional La Campana (PNLC) was recently recognized for its high soil surface microbial richness. Here, we explored the microbial community structure in soil profiles from contrasting facing slopes where sclerophyllous forest (SF) and xerophytic shrubland (XS) develop. Soil physicochemical conditions (dry density, pH, and organic matter C and N isotopic soil signatures) were determined at three depths (5, 10, and 15 cm depths). Amplicon sequencing (16S rRNA and ITS1-5F) and specific quantification (qPCR bacteria, archaea and ammonia-oxidizing archaea, fungi) were used to profile the microbial community. Our results indicate that opposite slopes, with different vegetation types and soil conditions studied potentially explained the spatial variability of the microbial community composition, especially between sites than through soil depth. Discriminative taxa were observed to vary between sites, such as, C. nitrososphaera (ammonia-oxidizing archaea) and Sphingomonas, and bacteria associated with Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were predominant in SF and XS, respectively. Fungi affiliated with Humicola and Preussia were more abundant in SF, while Cladosporium and Alternaria were in XS. Higher ASV richness was observed in SF compared to XS, for both prokaryotes and fungi. Furthermore, SF showed a higher number of shared ASVs, while XS showed a decrease in unique ASVs in deeper soil layers. In XS, the genus DA101 (Verrucomicrobia) increases with soil depth, reaching higher levels in SF, while Kaistobacter shows the opposite trend. PNLC soils were a reservoir of redundant microbial functions related to biogeochemical cycles, including symbiotic and phytopathogenic fungi. In conclusion, as with the predominant vegetation, the structure and potential function of microbial life in soil profiles were associated with the contrasting the effect of facing slopes as toposequence effects.