High Taxonomic Diversity Research Articles

Home range sizes and nychthemeral habitat uses by the Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) on prenuptial stopovers in Vendée marshes, western France

The wetlands of Marais breton (MB) and Marais poitevin (MP) on the French Atlantic coast are commonly used by several duck species, especially as stopover sites during the prenuptial migration. Understanding the ecological requirements of Anatidae at spring stopover sites is important to define appropriate management actions that might have a carry over effect on the subsequent reproduction success. This study focused on the Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), a species that regularly visits the two marshes during spring and fall migrations and is highly dependent on freshwater invertebrates as the food resource. Fifteen Northern Shovelers were equipped with GPS/GSM tags and monitored during their stopover in both marshes in 2020 and 2021. The aims of the study were to understand the habitat use on stopover sites and relate home range (HR) size with characteristics of the feeding habitats (such as freshwater invertebrates’ density and diversity). The HR area of the studied individuals was mainly constituted of ponds in MB (83% of the HR) and wet meadows in MP (71% of the HR). The Northern Shovelers equipped with tag spent more than 72 consecutive hours in 31 wetlands, using them during the day, at night or all day. The diurnal visited sites were deep ponds that were sparsely vegetated and dominated by microcrustaceans, whereas the nocturnal visited sites were wet meadows or ponds with high aquatic vegetation cover and high invertebrate taxonomic diversity. The 31 described sites appeared to be rich in freshwater invertebrates, with no significant difference in invertebrate densities between the diurnal and nocturnal sites. HR sizes were highly homogenous between the two study sites (MB and MP), between sexes or between age classes. In conclusion, according to this study, an appropriate HR for the Northern Shoveler at spring stopover is 8.49 ± 5.95 km² (mean ± standard error).

The problem of ammonoid substantiation of the Artinskian–Kungurian boundary in Western Verkhoyanie

Kungurian ammonoids had high taxonomic diversity, but were distinguished by an extremely high level of endemism and sharp geographic differentiation. Therefore, outside the regions containing the most important conodont taxa, the Artinskian-Kungurian boundary based on ammonoids must be established through indirect evidence due to the lack of common species with potential global stratotypes of the lower boundary of the Kungurian. A long-term study of the reference sections of the Echian and Tumarian regional stages and their ammonoids made it possible to change the understanding of the bio- and lithostratigraphy of the Artinskian-Kungurian boundary deposits of the Kuranakh structural-facies zone of Western Verkhoyanie. Clarification of the upper boundary of the Khabakh Formation in the stratotype section led to the fact that the ammonoids previously belonging to this formation began to be considered in the lower part of the Orol formation. They characterize the Paratumaroceras? sp. nov. biostratigraphic beds of the lower part of the Tumarian Regional Stage. At the current level of knowledge, the ammonoid substantiation of the Artinskian–Kungurian boundary in Verkhoyanie is difficult due to the existing hiatus corresponding to the Khabakh formation and its age analogues. However, the appearance at the base of the Tumarian Regional Stage of the first paragastrioceratids with a ventral sinus in transverse sculpture (Paratumaroceras? sp. nov.) suggests that the boundary in question is located near the base of the indicated regional stage or even combined with it. For further clearer identification of the Kungurian lower boundary in Verkhoyanie, new studies of the Echian–Tumarian boundary deposits in typical sections, independent of paleontology, are necessary. Such research should primarily include isotope-stratigraphic subdivision and high-precision U-Pb dating.

Taxonomic Diversity and Interannual Variation of Fish in the Lagoon of Meiji Reef (Mischief Reef), South China Sea.

Coral reef fish are important groups of coral reefs, which have great economic and ecological value. Meiji Reef is a representative tropical semi-enclosed atoll in the South China Sea, with rich fish resources. Based on the data from hand-fishing, line-fishing, and gillnet surveys of fish in Meiji Reef from 1998 to 2018, this study summarized the fish species list of Meiji Reef and analyzed the species composition, inclusion index at the taxonomic level (TINCL), genus-family diversity index (G-F index), average taxonomic distinctness index (Δ+), and variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) and their changes. The results revealed that from 1998 to 2018, there were 166 reef-dwelling fish species on Meiji Reef, belonging to 69 genera, 33 families, and 11 orders, of which 128 species were from 20 families of Perciformes, accounting for 77.10% of the total cataloged species. Regarding the dependence of fish on coral reefs, there were 155 reef-dependent species or resident species (accounting for 93.37%) and 11 reef-independent species or wandering species (accounting for 6.63%). The TINCL of the order, families, and genus of fish in Meiji Reef were very high. The genus diversity index (G index), family diversity index (F index), and G-F index of fish in Meiji Reef were very high, and the G index of fish in Meiji Reef in 1998-1999 was higher than that in 2016-2018. The Δ+ and Λ+ values of fish in Meiji Reef from 1998 to 2018 were 56.1 and 148.5, respectively. Compared with 1998-1999, Δ+ and Λ+ of fish increased during 2016-2018, reflecting that the relatives of fish in Meiji Reef became further distant, and the uniformity of taxonomic relationships among species decreased. The research findings indicated that fish exhibited a high taxonomic diversity in Meiji Reef; however, it also revealed significant fluctuations in the fish diversity of Meiji Reef over an extended period, emphasizing the urgent need for timely protection measures. This investigation significantly contributes to our comprehension of the intricate dynamics governing fish species within Meiji Reef and holds broader implications for biodiversity conservation in tropical marine ecosystems.

Тaxonomic diversity of phytoplankton of fish ponds of Lviv Region

he article presents the results of research on the taxonomic diversity and ecological characteristics of phytoplankton in fish ponds of Lviv region. It was found that the phytoplankton of the studied water bodies was characterized by high taxonomic diversity and was represented by 170 species and intraspecific taxa belonging to 95 genera, 52 families, 29 orders, 13 classes and 7 systematic divisions. The dominant group of the floristic composition were Chlorophyta (49 – 64% of the total number of revealed species), the subdominants were Bacillariophyta (11 – 15%), Euglenozoa 7 – 20%) and Cyanobacteria 5 – 12%). Coefficients of species similarity according to Serensen (Ks = 0.620.83) and Kendel's rank correlation for leading families (τ = 0.540.73) and genera (τ = 0.410.70) were high that indicates the similarity of the species composition of algal communities of different farms. The analysis of the ecological characteristics of algae showed that planktonic 33 – 38%) forms predominated in phytoplankton in terms of biotope distribution. Plankton-benthic, epiphytic forms were of secondary importance, accounting for 26 – 29%) and 20 – 29%) of the total number of species with a known biotope distribution, respectively. Slow-flowing forms dominated in terms of rheophilicity 79 – 88%), in terms of salinity 82 – 91%) and relation to pH 73 – 86%)  indifferent species. The main share of phytoplankton saprobic indicator species was formed by β-mesosaprobes 51 – 59%) and o-α-mesosaprobes 17 – 19%), which characterize these water bodies as those with a moderate level of organic pollution.

Sugar assimilation underlying dietary evolution of Neotropical bats

Dietary specializations in animals lead to adaptations in morphology, anatomy and physiology. Neotropical bats, with their high taxonomic and trophic diversity, offer a unique perspective on diet-driven evolutionary adaptations. Here we assess the metabolic response to different dietary sugars among wild-caught bats. We found that insectivorous bats had a pronounced metabolic response to trehalose, whereas bats with nectar and fruit-based diets showed significantly higher blood glucose levels in response to glucose and sucrose, reaching levels over 750 mg dl−1. The genomic analysis of 22 focal species and two outgroup species identified positive selection for the digestive enzyme trehalase in insect eaters, while sucrase–isomaltase showed selection in lineages with omnivorous and nectar diets. By examining anatomical and cellular features of the small intestine, we discovered that dietary sugar proportion strongly impacted numerous digestive traits, providing valuable insight into the physiological implications of molecular adaptations. Using hybridization chain reaction (HCR) RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, we observed unusually high expression in the glucose transporter gene Slc2a2 in nectar bats, while fruit bats increased levels of Slc5a1 and Slc2a5. Overall, this study highlights the intricate interplay between molecular, morphological and physiological aspects of diet evolution, offering new insights into the mechanisms of dietary diversification and sugar assimilation in mammals.

Ревизия Lepidoziaceae (Hepaticae) для российского Дальнего Востока II. Lepidozia и Kurzia

Kurzia and Lepidozia are revised for the Russian Far East. The identification keys, morphological descriptions, line drawings and lifetime photographs of species, ecological conditions and the clarified distribution within the region are provided. In general, the Russian Far East seems too cold region for high taxonomic diversity of the members of the family; nevertheless, the taxonomic diversity of Lepidoziaceae here is higher than in other regions of Russia.

Diversity-enhanced canopy space occupation and leaf functional diversity jointly promote overyielding in tropical tree communities

Understanding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity-productivity relationships is critical for guiding forest restoration. Although complementarity among trees in the canopy space has been suggested as a key mechanism for greater productivity in mixed-species tree communities, empirical evidence remains limited. Here, we used data from a tropical tree diversity experiment to disentangle the effects of tree species richness and community functional characteristics (community-weighted mean and functional diversity of leaf traits) on canopy space filling, and how these effects are related to overyielding. We found that canopy space filling was largely explained by species identity effects rather than tree diversity effects. Communities with a high abundance of species with a conservative resource-use strategy were those with most densely packed canopies. Across monocultures and mixtures, a higher canopy space filling translated into an enhanced wood productivity. Importantly, most communities (83 %) produced more wood volume than the average of their constituent species in monoculture (i.e. most communities overyielded). Our results show that overyielding increased with leaf functional diversity and positive net biodiversity effects on canopy space filling, which mainly arose due to a high taxonomic diversity. These findings suggest that both taxonomic diversity-enhanced canopy space filling and canopy leaf diversity are important drivers for overyielding in mixed-species forests. Consequently, restoration initiatives should promote stands with functionally diverse canopies by selecting tree species with large interspecific differences in leaf nutrition, as well as leaf and branch morphology to optimize carbon capture in young forest stands.

Spatiotemporal diversity of wild bee communities (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) in grassland ecosystems in semi-arid climate of North Africa (Algeria)

ABSTRACT In order to improve our knowledge on the biodiversity of wild bee communities in Algerian grasslands, two stations (El-Kouif and Gourigueur) belonging to Tebessa region were chosen. The current study provides data on the diversity and the structure of this taxonomic group in a semi-arid steppe in Northeastern Algeria. Wild bee alpha and beta diversity were investigated through the utilisation of diverse parameters such as species richness, occurrence, diversity indices, rarefaction curves, similarity indices. In total, 411 individuals of 14 genera and 46 species were collected. The most abundant species was Eucera nigrilabris (Apidae) with 69 individuals (16.79% of the total). The collected species were dominated by common taxa (17 species, 36.95% of the total). The GLM tests showed that the temporal variations of the abundance values (N) and the species richness (S) of wild bees were statistically significant. Overall, the most visited plant species was Eruca vesicaria (Brassicaceae) (N = 168, S = 24). Two types of species were distinguished in the present study, species foraged a wide range of plant and species foraged only one plant species. The wild bee communities showed high taxonomic diversity in grasslands situated in semi-arid steppe.

Organic geochemistry, sedimentology and palaeontology of the Khatyspyt Formation, Arctic Siberia: Towards an integrated view of Ediacaran biofacies

The terminal Ediacaran Khatyspyt Lagerstätte (ca. 550–544 Ma) of Arctic Siberia has been a prime target for geobiological research. Previous evidence suggested that Ediacaran macroscopic soft-bodied organisms could be highly sensitive to sedimentary processes and various environmental factors such as water column stratification and seawater redox-conditions. By integrating organic geochemistry, sedimentology, and palaeontology of the Khatyspyt Formation, we identified three biofacies. The most proximal Longifuniculum biofacies consists of outer- to mid-ramp debris flow deposits and is characterised by a high taxonomic diversity and biomarker proxies pointing to a non-stratified non-euxinic water column. The most distal Aspidella biofacies comprises outer-ramp thin-bedded calcareous turbidites and is also marked by a high taxonomic diversity, although the associated biomarker proxies provide evidence for a stratified euxinic environment. Transient between those is the Nenoxites biofacies, consisting of outer- to mid-ramp debris flow deposits and characterised by a low taxonomic diversity, with biomarker proxies indicating redox instability. This systematic pattern suggests that the distribution of Ediacaran organisms was influenced by a heterogenous redox landscape. More specifically, the highest diversity of benthic soft-bodied organisms, including the iconic Charnia masoni, appears in stratified euxinic environments, while the highest diversity of macroalgae is found in non-stratified settings. The occurrence of a complex Ediacaran community in a stratified euxinic environment suggests that anoxia might have driven ecological differentiation of organisms, and that heterogeneous and dynamic redox landscapes were far more significant in early animal evolution than hitherto appreciated.

Absence of a pancreatic microbiome in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

ObjectiveThis study aims to validate the existence of a microbiome within intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) that can be differentiated from the taxonomically diverse DNA background of next-generation sequencing procedures.DesignWe...

Plankton and contour algal communities in the ukrainian section of the Western Bug River and its tributaries

The taxonomic diversity of algae in the Western Bug River and its tributaries during the low-water summer-autumn season comprised 303 species (318 intraspecies taxa, ist) from 131 genera, 74 families, 45 orders, 16 classes and 8 phyla. Bacillariophyta dominated, Chlorophyta were recorded as subdominants. The phytoplankton taxonomic diversity included 140 ist, microphytobenthos – 191, phytoperiphyton – 172. The floristic nucleus of algal communities was formed by 17 families. In phytoplankton the highest rank belonged to Scenedesmaceae, while in contour algal communities – Naviculaceae. The highest floristic similarity was observed for microphytobenthos and phytoperiphyton, and the highest dissimilarity – for phytoplankton and phytoperiphyton. The spatial differentiation between contour and plankton communities during the low-water period, rather high similarity of their floristic structure indicate the unity of structural organization of algae from different ecological groups as an important component of biodiversity in the transboundary rivers. According to geographic distribution cosmopolites dominated; according to flow and oxygen regime – indifferents; according to pH preference – alkaliphilic and indifferent species; according to salinity preference – indifferent species; according to saprobiological characteristics – χ-ο- and β-mesosaprobic species. According to biotopic preference eurytopic and benthic forms prevailed. The dialectic unity between contour algal communities and phytoplankton to a great extent depends on morphometric and hydrological characteristics of the rivers under study. High taxonomic diversity, clearly marked spatial differentiation between planktonic and contour communities, interesting species of Bacillariophyta – all these features are indicative of the uniqueness and importance of algae in forming the biodiversity of the transboundary Western Bug River and its tributaries as the components of the EU hydrological network.

Evolutionary patterns of variations in chromosome counts and genome sizes show positive correlations with taxonomic diversity in tropical gingers.

Cytogenetic traits such as an organism's chromosome number and genome size are taxonomically critical as they are instrumental in defining angiosperm diversity. Variations in these traits can be traced to evolutionary processes such as polyploidization, although geographic variations across cytogenetic traits remain underexplored. In the pantropical monocot family Zingiberaceae (~1500 species), cytogenetic traits have been well documented; however, the role of these traits in shaping taxonomic diversity and biogeographic patterns of gingers is not known. A time-calibrated Bayesian phylogenetic tree was constructed for 290 taxa covering three of the four subfamilies in Zingiberaceae. We tested models of chromosome number and genome size evolution within the family and whether lineage age, taxonomic diversity, and distributional range explain the variations in the cytogenetic traits. Tests were carried out at two taxonomic ranks: within Zingiberaceae and within genus Hedychium using correlations, generalized linear models and phylogenetic least square models. The most frequent changes in chromosome number within Zingiberaceae were noted to be demi-polyploidization and polyploidization (~57% of the time), followed by ascending dysploidy (~27%). The subfamily Zingiberoideae showed descending dysploidy at its base, while Alpinioideae showed polyploidization at its internal nodes. Although chromosome counts and genome sizes did not corroborate with each other, suggesting that they are not equivalent; higher chromosome number variations and higher genome size variations were associated with higher taxonomic diversity and wider biogeographic distribution. Within Zingiberaceae, multiple incidences of polyploidization were discovered, and cytogenetic events appear to have reduced the genome sizes and increased taxonomic diversity, distributional ranges and invasiveness.

The Spatial Distribution of Copepod Functional Traits in a Highly Anthropized Mediterranean Coastal Marine Region

Copepods dominate marine zooplankton in abundance and play key roles in pelagic food webs. These small crustaceans show high taxonomic and functional diversity. Although there has been considerable research on their taxonomy, only a few studies have focused on their functional traits. In this study, we analyzed the functional traits of 95 copepod species, considering their body size, trophic regime, feeding behavior, and spawning strategy. Based on samples collected during two surveys (autumn 2020 and summer 2021) located in the coastal waters of three gulfs (Gaeta, Naples, and Salerno) in the highly populated Campania region (the central Tyrrhenian Sea, NW Mediterranean), we identified nine functional groups of copepods with different characteristics. The group that comprised herbivorous copepods with feeding currents and a broadcast strategy was the most abundant in both seasons and all gulfs. This group was dominated by Acartia clausi, Centropages typicus, Temora stylifera, and the Paracalanus parvus complex. The other functional groups showed differences in their temporal and spatial distribution. Our study reports the functional diversity of copepods along the Campania coast, thus contributing to advancing our knowledge of the planktonic trophic structure in a region of considerable importance due to its marine resources and services.

Coastal Eukaryotic Plankton Diversity of the Southern Adriatic as Revealed by Metabarcoding

Plankton studies serve as a basis for marine ecosystem research, but knowledge of marine plankton is still incomplete due to its extreme taxonomic and functional complexity. The application of metabarcoding is very valuable for the characterisation of the plankton community. The plankton community of the Southern Adriatic is subject to strong environmental fluctuations and changes, which underlines the need for frequent, reliable and comprehensive characterisation of the plankton. The aim of this study was to determine the taxonomic composition and seasonal distribution of eukaryotic plankton in the Southern Adriatic. Plankton samples were collected monthly for one year at the coastal station of the Southern Adriatic and metabarcoding was used for taxonomic identification. The results showed a high taxonomic diversity and dynamic seasonal distribution patterns for both the protist and metazoan plankton communities. Metabarcoding revealed both the core, year-round plankton community and previously unrecorded plankton organisms in the Southern Adriatic. The results provide for the first time a comprehensive overview of the plankton community in this area by metabarcoding. The identified seasonal patterns of plankton genera and species in the Southern Adriatic will contribute to the understanding of plankton interactions and future changes in community diversity characterisation.

New fossils of Eocypselus and Primapus from the British London Clay reveal a high taxonomic and ecological diversity of early Eocene swift‐like apodiform birds

We describe new specimens and species of apodiform birds from the early Eocene London Clay of Walton‐on‐the Naze (Essex, UK). In addition to multiple partial skeletons of Eocypselus vincenti Harrison, 1984, three new species of Eocypselus are described as Eocypselus geminus, sp. nov., Eocypselus paulomajor, sp. nov. and Eocypselus grandissimus, sp. nov. The previously unknown quadrate of Eocypselus shares a characteristic derived morphology with the quadrate of the Aegothelidae, Hemiprocnidae and Apodidae, whereas the quadrate of the Trochilidae is very different. We also report a striking disparity of the shapes of the axis vertebra of apodiform birds, which is likely to be of functional significance. Eocypselus and extant Hemiprocnidae and Cypseloidini (Apodidae) exhibit the plesiomorphic morphology, whereas a derived shape characterizes extant Aegothelidae, Apodini and Trochilidae. Furthermore, we describe the first partial skeleton of the earliest aegialornithid species, Primapus lacki Harrison & Walker, 1975, which was previously only known from the humeri of the type series that stem from different sites of the London Clay. The apodiform birds from Walton‐on‐the‐Naze show a considerable taxonomic and ecomorphological diversity, and whereas Eocypselus may have inhabited forest edges and caught insects by sallying flights from perches, Primapus probably was a fast‐flying and more aerial bird.

Karyotype Diversification and Chromosome Rearrangements in Squamate Reptiles.

Karyotype diversification represents an important, yet poorly understood, driver of evolution. Squamate reptiles are characterized by a high taxonomic diversity which is reflected at the karyotype level in terms of general structure, chromosome number and morphology, and insurgence of differentiated simple or multiple-sex-chromosome systems with either male or female heterogamety. The potential of squamate reptiles as unique model organisms in evolutionary cytogenetics has been recognised in recent years in several studies, which have provided novel insights into the chromosome evolutionary dynamics of different taxonomic groups. Here, we review and summarize the resulting complex, but promising, general picture from a systematic perspective, mapping some of the main squamate karyological characteristics onto their phylogenetic relationships. We highlight how all the major categories of balanced chromosome rearrangements contributed to the karyotype evolution in different taxonomic groups. We show that distinct karyotype evolutionary trends may occur, and coexist, with different frequencies in different clades. Finally, in light of the known squamate chromosome diversity and recent research advances, we discuss traditional and novel hypotheses on karyotype evolution and propose a scenario of circular karyotype evolution.

Spatial heterogeneity of neo- and paleo-endemism for plants in Madagascar

Madagascar is a biogeographically unique island with a remarkably high level of endemism. However, endemic taxa in Madagascar are massively threatened due to unprecedented pressures from anthropogenic habitat modification and climate change. A comprehensive phylogeny-based biodiversity evaluation of the island remains lacking. Here, we identify hotspots of taxonomic and phylogenetic plant diversity and neo- and paleo-endemism by generating a novel dated tree of life for the island. The tree is based on unprecedented sampling of 3,950 species (33% of the total known species) and 1,621 genera (93% of the total known genera and 69% of endemic genera) of Malagasy vascular plants. We find that island-endemic genera are concentrated in multiple lineages combining high taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity. Integrating phylogenetic and geographic distribution data, our results reveal that taxon richness and endemism are concentrated in the northern, eastern, and southeastern humid forests. Paleo-endemism centers are concentrated in humid eastern and central regions, whereas neo-endemism centers are concentrated in the dry and spiny forests in western and southern Madagascar. Our statistical analysis of endemic genera in each vegetation region supports a higher proportion of ancient endemic genera in the east but a higher proportion of recent endemic genera in the south and west. Overlaying centers of phylogenetic endemism with protected areas, we identify conservation gaps concentrated in western and southern Madagascar. These gaps should be incorporated into conservation strategies to aid the protection of multiple facets of biodiversity and their benefits to the Malagasy people.

First record of insects from the oldest and older Dryas of Altai (Russia). Coleoptera assemblages from Lebed River

Subfossil remains of insects found in the Lebed site (52.25220°N, 87.15692°E) located on the Lebed River, Altai Republic are recorded. The calibrated radiocarbon dates for two layers of these deposits were 16,461–17,056 cal BP, and 13,520–14,077 cal BP, which correspond to the oldest and older Dryas (Late Pleistocene). Insect assemblages of these deposits are mainly represented by Coleoptera, which are noteworthy there for high taxonomic and ecological diversity and include several endemic and relic species. At least 120 beetle species from 17 families have been found altogether, of them, 37 species are recorded for the Pleistocene deposits of Western Siberia for the first time. Three families, Carabidae, Staphylinidae and Curculionidae are most abundantly represented in the examined Lebed site. Ecologically, this beetle assemblage is dominated by species that are currently confined to the taiga belt and alpine meadows of the Altai Mountains; aquatic and near-water species are also well represented. The studied assemblages are rather different from the previously studied Pleistocene insect fauna in the south of the West Siberian Plain. The taxonomic and ecological compositions of the beetle fauna of Lebed site suggest its existence under humid palaeoclimate that was significantly colder than modern climate in this area.

A New Epistemological Insight of the Coniacian-Santonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE3)

Eighteen planktic and eleven benthic foraminiferal species were recorded from the dark grey to black shale facies of the Matulla Formation in Abu Zeneima area, West-Central Sinai, Egypt. The faunal assemblage is dominated by cosmopolitan whiteinellids, marginotruncanids, Dicarinellids, Contusotruncanids and Heterohelicids. The planktic species with high taxonomic diversity were used to zone the Coniacian and Santonian stages, as well as define the Coniacian/ Santonian boundary, while benthic foraminifera is of minor contribution in age assignment. The stratigraphic analysis of the relations and ranges of these fauna led to the recognition of five biozones<i>; Dicarinella primitiva</i> or <i>Huberella huberi</i> or <i>Marginotruncana</i> <i>sinuosa</i> for the Coniacian, while <i>Dicarinella concavata</i> and <i>Dicarinella asymetrica</i> for the Santonian. Also, the Coniacian/Santonian boundary was delineated, considering the appearance of <i>Dicarinella</i> <i>concavata</i> and disappearance of <i>Huberella huberi</i>, as well as the<i> </i>increase of Marginotruncanids (<i>M. renzi, M. sigali, M. marginata, M. pseudolinneiana</i>….etc.). Furthermore, the black shales found in the middle part of the Matulla Formation were attributed to the Coniacian-Santonian Oceanic Anoxic Event (OAE3). The occurrence of black shales with planktic foraminifera during the Coniacian–Santonian interval in several countries belonging to five continents, was the main impetus to render this event a global event.

Dieback of managed spruce stands in western Germany promotes beetle diversity

Biodiversity loss is a significant problem at a global scale and may be amplified by climate change. In recent years, coniferous forests have had substantial dieback across Europe due to drought and subsequent bark-beetle outbreaks. As many studies on the consequences of disturbance and subsequent management have focused on natural stands, management implications for managed spruce stands are not well understood, even though such stands are widespread throughout Europe. In this study, beetle taxonomy, conservation value, and community composition are compared among spruce plantations and four post-disturbance management approaches: standing deadwood, lying deadwood, clear cuts, and long-term succession. Diversity and community composition differed significantly among management categories, while different beetle families responded similarly. Intact spruce stands harbored the lowest beetle diversity while the highest taxonomic diversity and conservation value was on clear cuts and stands with lying or standing deadwood. The proportion of forest specialists was highest in successional forests. In summary, different forest management categories harbored distinct beetle communities at the family-, species-, and ecological guild levels. Therefore, post-disturbance management should consider the landscape scale and include different management types. This enhances landscape heterogeneity and thus overall biodiversity but could also mitigate negative impacts of natural disturbances on ecosystem services.